Kenneth “Sonny” Rabbithead “Naxbicci Shibisha” (Black Bear)

Parshall

Kenneth “Sonny” Rabbithead, “Naxbicci Shibisha” (Black Bear), was born July 22, 1954, in Stanley, ND to Dorothy (Driver) and John B. Rabbithead. He was a proud member of the MHA Nation and WaterBuster Clan and a child of the Dripping Dirt Clan.

Kenny was raised in Parshall, attended school in Parshall and later got his General Education Degree from the United Tribes Technical College. He finished up his education with an Associate in Carpentry Painting from the United Tribes Technical College.

During his years at United Tribes, he participated in all sports possible. He was active in basketball, softball, and boxing. In basketball, he traveled to many tournaments in the native amateur basketball circuit. He participated in boxing in Parshall under the Bob Walsh Boxing Club and later with the South Dakota Boxing Club, where he became the State Heavy Weight Boxing Champ. He also participated in many softball tournaments around the state. He formed many teams across the “rez” and enjoyed playing with his siblings and nephews on his team Athletics “A’s”.

Sonny was always a caring provider during the years he worked as Community Health Representative (CHR) and Tribal Security for both the tribal building and NE Segment, he worked for the Tribe for 18 years. Throughout his working career, he wore many hats from oilfield service to painting the state capitol.

Kenny was overjoyed when he became a father and thought the world of his daughter Shaundel and son Kellen James. He wore his title “Grandpa” very proudly. He always had a big heart for his family and always looked out for his nieces and nephews. He was the jokester of the family and gave everyone a nickname and entertained everyone at every holiday event. Kenny’s sports fanatic personality and love for music and a big sense of humor attracted many friends.

On Monday, April 10, 2023, at the age of 68, Kenny joined in the spirit world his beloved parents Dorothy and John Rabbithead, brothers Ronald Rabbithead Sr., and Michael Rabbithead, sister Lucy “Jeannie Girl” Johnson and nephews Jason Foote and Chris Rabbithead.

Kenny will be missed by his daughter Shaundel Schweigman of New Town, ND, son Kellen O’Rourke, Greeley, Co, Grandsons Wylie Smith, Ethan JohnArt, and Jeremiah Schweigman of New Town, ND, siblings, Junel (Jim) Foote, John Jack Rabbithead, Karen Rabbithead all of Parshall, ND, Diana Americnahorse of New Town, ND, Janice (Bill) St. Claire of Parshall, Joanne Rabbithead of Parshall, ND, and Delvin Rabbithead of Parshall, ND; many nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends whom he loved dearly.

The family honored Kenny’s life with a Gathering on Thurs. Apr. 13 from 4-7pm at Langhans Funeral Home in Parshall and his Funeral on Fri. Apr. 14 at 10am at Parshall-Lucky Mound Veterans Memorial Hall in Parshall. Kenny was Laid to Rest at Holy Family US Scout Cemetery in the Shell Creek area near New Town. (www.langhansfuneralhome.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 15, 2023.