Wayne James Running Horse Sr. passed away on September 18, 2026 at Sanford heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral service will be held in Ideal on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Holy Spirit Cemetery in Ideal. Wake service will begin on Saturday and Sunday September 26th and 27th, 2026 in Ideal with services beginning at 7:00 PM both nights.

Wayne was born on February 9, 1950, in Rosebud, South Dakota to Sally Black Crow Swalley and Eli Swalley. He lived in Norris during his younger years, then later made his home in Ideal, South Dakota.

Wayne shared his life with his wife and best friend, Kathryn Running Horse. Throughout their years together, they built a life centered around family. Wayne especially enjoyed cruising around with Kathryn and telling stories about the two of them and the memories they made together in their younger days.

He was a hardworking man and a jack-of-all- trades. Throughout his life, he worked in farming, construction, as a mechanic and as a handyman. If something needed to be worked on or fixed, Wayne was the kind of man who knew how to use his hands and get the job done.

In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed playing fast pitch softball wit the Ideal Red Machines and Red Leaf, where he played pitcher and third base. His love for softball continued throughout his life. One of his favorite things was watching The Tribe play fastpitch, a team created by two of his sons and their friends and family. He also enjoyed mowing lawns, traveling, and most of all, being around his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Family meant everything to him. He loved sharing stories, especially stories about his and Kathryn’s younger days, and the memories and stories he leaves behind will continue to be shared by his family for generations to come.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife Kathryn, his children Frances and family, Boe and family, Anna and Abe, Redd and Geraldine and family, Calvin and Connie and family, Katelyn, Reuben, Kayla, Jake, Jonah, Christopher and family, adopted sons Guy Thunder and Kelly Star Chief Sr., sister Marion and family, brother Joe and family, and his favorite niece Melonie, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

Wayne is preceded in death by his son Noah Edward; his mother Sally Black Crow Swalley; his father Eli Swalley and other family members who made their journey before him.