Andrew David Laravie

Services for Andrew D. Laravie, 65, Plainview, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 8 ^th , at Word of Life Assembly of God in O’Neill, NE. Pastor James Loutzenhiser will officiate. Lunch will follow at the church after service. After lunch all are invited to convene for burial at Niobrara, NE. Burial will be at the Ponca Tribe Cemetery. Family will have a memorial BBQ that evening of May 8th at the Ponca agency picnic shelter for those unable to attend other services.

Andrew David Laravie (Dave or David), his Ponca name was “Walking Strength” entered this world on August 6 ^th , 1955 to Florence Snoozy (Laravie) in Wagner South Dakota. He grew up and was raised by his grandfather Benjamin Laravie in Verdel, NE. Andrew was also known as Dave or David to those that were close to him. He was a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and is a direct great-great grandson to Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca. He once said that his grandfather Benjamin was the love of his life and they were very close. Benjamin was a father to Dave and raised him along with his aunties Carol, Judy, and Candace. He hunted, fished, and learned the Ponca ways of life and language from his grandfather Benjamin. They trapped along the Missouri River and Ponca Creek. Dave was so proud to pass this knowledge on to his children.

He traveled quite a bit throughout is younger days and when he was even younger he would play with his cousins and town buddies along the Ponca Creek. He like playing tricks and got into some shenanigans I’m sure.  He gathered so many friendships along his journey and loved to share his Ponca heritage. He was a great woodcarver, artist, native beader, leather worker, and all around great at whatever craft he picked up and was a talented artist. He love teaching his twin girls how to gather materials such as, diamond willow for canes along the rivers and he passed down a quantity of craft knowledge to his twins. He also took them on many adventures camping outdoors and scaring them with his ghost stories and Ponca myths around the fire. When his grandfather was still living in Verdel Dave spent most of his time with his grandfather and brought his twins.

In 1984 he married and from that marriage came 4 children. Tracy and Stacy whom are the eldest (twins), Kimberly, and A.J. named after him (Andrew James). He lived in O’Neill, NE during this time. Dave worked for the department of Roads and had many great friends he made through his church, work, and anywhere he went. He was a kind man with a big heart. He was always funny and love to keep things light and humorous. Throughout his life he gave many Native American talks to schools, libraries, etc. He was on the first Tribal council known as the restoration council, during this time he helped to reinstate the Ponca Tribe for federal recognition, even traveled to Washington D.C. This was a very proud time. He loved the Ponca people and carried so much knowledge. Dave was also part of a men’s group called Promise Keepers at Word of Life church and had many great friendships from this.

Dave had a love for music and shared this with many of his grandchildren. He made Native drums and flutes over the years. Dave just loved life, meeting people, learning, creating, and seeing new things. His love language was food. He was a great cook and made the best Indian Frybread along many things. Dave had his struggles but always cared about others around him. He saw the world in a different way and was easy to talk too. Toward the end of his life he spent time with his twin daughters and his grandchildren passing on knowledge, camping, fishing, spending holidays, and going to powwows with them.

Dave entered heaven on April 23 ^rd 2021 at Plainview manor. All the staff and the manor were so kind to Dave and the family thanks them in allowing him to practice his culture. He also established friendships at the manor. He will be missed greatly but he is with the ancestors now and is an ancestor. May we all carry on what he taught us and walk a path of peace.

Dave is survived by his mother, Florence Snoozy (Laravie) of Sioux City and brothers Fred Snoozy of Sioux City, IA , Richard Snoozy Sioux City,  IA, and Benjamin Lapointe of Eagle Butte, SD. His children Tracy Laravie of Hastings, NE;  Stacy Laravie of Pierce, NE; Kimberly Laravie of Hasting, NE; and A.J. Laravie of Hasting, NE.  His 10 grandchildren: Shyanne, Lakota, Talon, Shayde, Sequoia, Gabby, Gaven, Parker, Silas, and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Benjamin Laravie, his aunts Carol, Judy, and Candace, and one grandchild.

Cards may be sent to:     416 W. Nebraska St.     or            109 W H. St.

Pierce, NE 68767                         Hastings, NE 68901