Calvin (Pezina) “Gopher” Littlewind, 55 years old, started his earthly journey on September 18, 1968 in Devils Lake, ND. He started his journey home on December 1, 2023 at his home. He was the son of Joseph Abraham and Catherine Littlewind.

Calvin “Gopher” Littlewind grew up on the Spirit Lake Reservation. He attended the Fort Totten Community School and also Oberon and Cheyenne Schools up to the 8th grade. Calvin, as a young fella, wanted to be with the bigger kids all the time. He enjoyed rodeo and made a ‘bucking barrel’ to see who could go the highest. He was a young boxer for a bit. He loved the rodeo and competed in rodeo up to the age of 16.  He was also a traditional dancer and danced in pow-wows with his dad. Calvin found his calling in the world of art, becoming a world-famous artist. He found a promoter for his art, S & S Enterprises, after a five-year search. His artwork built the business, and he sold his artwork worldwide. He sold paintings to the Spirit Lake Casino Resort and also did the mural in the Minnewaukan School. He did paintings for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program focusing on victim assistance, becoming a world-famous artist. At the age of 13, he started drawing and began painting and at the age of 18, he began doing ink work, working with the airbrush and was accomplished in the art of tattooing. Calvin sold his artwork at a price that people could afford, never placing a value on his artwork. His artwork pieces always had a spiritual meaning for the people. He just wanted for his artwork to be out there for people to enjoy. At the age of 18 years, he met Della Rene Longie and together they had his first son, Colton Littlewind and two years later, Brandon Littlewind was born. He worked as a carpenter for HUD in his early 20’s and also worked as a farm hand for Gordon Nelson. In his later life, Calvin enjoyed visiting his friends and family. He especially enjoyed visiting his siblings and grandchildren. They noted that every time he was leaving, going out the door, he imparted words of wisdom.

Calvin is survived by his children, Colton Littlewind and Brandon Littlewind; his siblings, Richard, Rachel, Eunice and Wesley and twelve grandchildren.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Littlewind and Joseph Abraham; sister, Jolene Littlewind-Feather; stepfather, Jesse Feather; grandparents, Joseph and Martha (HighElk) Littlewind, Jerome, and Jenny (Mazakahomni) Abraham; brothers, Stanley Littlewind, Kenneth Abraham, Jacob Abraham, Stanley Abraham and Richard Abraham and grandchild, Addonis.

Calvin is a descendent of Canhdeskatawa, Waanatan and Inkpaduta.

The family sends apologies for anyone they may have missed.

Pallbearers: Frank Gourd, Whalen Shaw, Jesse Cavanaugh, Robert (Cha) Cavanaugh, Louie Dubois, David Dunn, Johnnie Littlewind, Darren Demarce Sr., and Special Casket Bearer Kaelem Lenoir

Honorary Bearers: Gordon Nelson, David Sherman, Kenny Charboneau Jr., Steven Dane Cavanaugh, Shawn Charboneau, Josie and Clarice Lawrence, Delphine Littlewind, Carmen Littlewind, Yvonne “Hopsty” Dubois, Onna Littlewind, Whalen and Renita Shaw, Kelly McKay, Chaske Family, Arliss Littlewind and Family, Ashley Lenoir,  Catherine Howard, S & S Enterprises, Victor Rainbow, Vincent and Adele Shaw, Glen Abraham, Lisa & Lance Kimmerly, Randy Pearson, Davey & Joy Davidson, Raybert “Rocky” Littlewind, Naomi Littlewind, Brittney Littlewind, Ron and Connie McKay, Dave Robertson, Calvin Dean (Lolita) Dunn, Ila McKay, Cherilyn (Alberto) Littlewind, Jason & Ivy Redman, Richard Littlewind Jr., Tysen Littlewind, Kevin Reggle, David Reggle, Myra Pearson, Lionel Littlewind, & Robert “Bob” Santos. 

 

Calvin Littlewind’s Visitation will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM all at the Ft. Totten Rec Center, Crow Hill, ND.

Friends wishing to join the procession from New Rockford to Crow Hill may gather on Junction 281, prior to 4:15PM.

His Final Review will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00AM at the Ft. Totten Rec Center, Ft. Totten, ND.

His Burial will be at the St. Jerome’s Cemetery, Ft. Totten, ND.