Ronald "Ron" Edward Gilbert, 74, of Flandreau, SD passed peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Eastman Hall in Flandreau, SD with burial to follow at First Presbyterian Cemetery. A two-day wake service will be held beginning at 4:30 PM, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 also at Eastman Hall in Flandreau, SD.

Ron was born on July 5, 1950, in Flandreau, SD to Arlene Heminger and Roy Buffalo.  Ron attended Flandreau Elementary and High School.  In 1972, Ron married Eileen Ailts.  They were married for 10 years and had two sons together.  Ron held various positions throughout his lifetime. For 20 years, he worked for the maintenance department with the Flandreau Indian School.  For five years, he worked as a police officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and for 27 years he worked as the Executive Secretary with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Gaming Commission. The last few years of his working career, he was part of the expert security team, guarding the front door of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Health Clinic with one eye open. Ron was an avid outdoorsman, with water fowling being his favorite passion.  For 40 years straight, he was there for opening weekend.  He hunted until he couldn't.  He fished until he couldn't.  He stayed with us, until he couldn't.

Ron is survived by his children, Ben (Betty) Gilbert of Sloan, Iowa and Ron (Gina) Gilbert, Jr., of Flandreau, SD; two grandsons, Payne Gilbert of Flandreau, SD and Derek Gilbert of Delray Beach, Florida, one granddaughter, Brooklyn Gilbert of Sloan, Iowa; siblings, LeAnn Tallbear of Sisseton, SD, Helen Gilbert, Wendy Gilbert and Bill Gilbert all of Flandreau, SD; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene Heminger and Roy Buffalo; twin brother, Don Buffalo; grandparents, Felix and Agnes Heminger; special cousin/brother, "Big Al"; great-grandparents, Rev. Albert Heminger and Ruth Abigail Wakeman (Towastewin); great-great-grandparents, Anthony and Lucy Heminger (Tawipaindaye), Thomas Wakeman (Wowinape) and Judith Minnetonka (Tatiyhuakawazawin);  great-great-great-grandparents, Ta Oyate Duta (Little Crow) and Mary Wakeman (Wazaiege/Iron Cluster Woman); and many other relatives too numerous to name.