Laurette Marie Pourier

RAPID CITY—Laurette Marie Pourier, Wo Wasake Inajin Win, (Stands Strong Woman) made her journey to heaven Jan. 1, 2016. Laurette was born on Dec. 23, 1945 to Loren and Isabelle (Rooks) Pourier in Rapid City. Laurette is survived by her friend Mr. Leslie England, 5 children, Tawney Brunsch, Jamey Brunsch and wife Tara, Chad Brunsch and wife Crystal, Grady Brunsch and fiancée Alaina Clifford and Hayley Brunsch-Vocu and husband Wade; Her 6 siblings Patty Kelso, Peggy Pourier, Bat Pourier and wife Patty, Bim Pourier, Karla Pourier-Longwell and husband Rod, and Shelly Pourier; 20 grandchildren: Orrin, Tanner and Hayden Clark; Kaley, Logan, Zachary, and Brock Brunsch; Afton, Cade, Chase and Caseton Brunsch; Hanna, Chloe, Baylor, Kessler and Gaitlan Brunsch; Gabriel, Titan and Baby Wade Brunsch; and one great grandson Breckon John Clark. Laurette was preceeded in death by her father Loren in 1966 and her mother Isabelle in 1999. 

Laurette lived her life to the fullest, immersing herself in deep spirituality and was so full of love that it overflowed into every relationship that she had.  Laurette touched a vast multitude of lives with her loving persistence and caring strength spreading it like seeds in her beautiful garden of life. 

In her professional life Laurette was an eternal dynamo with the ambition and intentions to change the world.  She worked for and started many nonprofit organizations focused on the improvement of race relations and Native American rights.  The organizations she was involved with included Cangleska, focused on providing Native American women shelter from violence; and The Society for the Advancement of Native Interests Today (SANI-T). 

Laurette attended grade school in New Underwood and McMahon School, a small country school near the Cheyenne River.  She attended New Underwood High School and graduated from Interior High School.  While attending National American University in Rapid City she met Jim Brunsch whom she married in 1965.  From their union five children were born. 

Laurette raised 5 kids at her country home south of Interior while working construction and pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Oglala Lakota College.  Laurette continued living in the country until 1996 when she moved to Rapid City.  She eventually purchased a home on Rapid Creek where she loved spending time with her kids, grand kids, family and friends.  Laurette also enjoyed the time she spent with her sisters and brothers creating memories, especially during the last months of her life. 

Visitation was held Jan 4, 2016 at the Mother Butler Center in Rapid City. Funeral services were held Jan. 5, at the Mother Butler Center with Fr. Rick Abert officiating.  Interment was held at the Mt. View Cemetery. 

Friends may sign her online guest register at osheimschmidt.com