DOROTHY ZIEGLER

Dorothy Arleen “Scootie” Kiyukan Ziegler, 58, of Mayetta lost her battle with liver cancer Thursday, January 7, 2021 at her home.

She was born November 17, 1962 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Julia Lewis. She graduated from Marty Indian School and later graduated from University of South Dakota with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Dorothy was able to see a good part of the country. She had lived in Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana and South Dakota. She is most noted for her passion in education and her culture. She was the National Indian Educator, the South Dakota Indian Educator of the year, and in 1994 the governor of South Dakota proclaimed October 28th as the “Dorothy Kiyukan Day” in South Dakota. She received a Dakota Wesleyan Alumni of the year award and the University of South Dakota Native American Alumni award as well. Dorothy was a member of the South Dakota Counseling Association, Indian Counseling Association, was a certified school specialist and a gaming commissioner at Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta. She was a fancy and jingle dress dancer. She was a wellknown NA Cultural Coordinator and a Therapeutic Intervention Specialist. She also was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Potawatomi United Methodist Church.

On March 8, 2020 she married Martin “Tom” Ziegler in Mayetta. He survives of their home. Other survivors include her mother, Julia Lewis of Mayetta; two daughters: Julia E. Kiyukan of Pierre and Atana Bernie-Blue of Pierre; son, Lawrence L. Kiyukan, Jr. (Charlotte) of Lake Andes; a niece she raised, Marissa Bridegroom of Topeka, KS; 11 adopted children; adopted mom, Shirley Bernie of Pierre; sister, Doris Cochran of Topeka; twin sisters; numerous hunka sisters; numerous hunka brothers; seven grandchildren and many adopted grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her adopted dad, Francis Bernie; sister, MaLita Bernie; and two bothers, Raymond and Bobby Bridegroom.

Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on the website of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral services were Tuesday, January 12 at the Armory. Burial was in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Marty. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of local arrangements. www.petersfh.net