William Francis Dupree was born in Poplar, Montana on March 23, 1979. Ernestine Ireland and Peter Dupree were chosen to bring William into this world to carry out his plan and follow the path God laid for him. His mother provided love, care and support to fill his mind with a yearning for the welfare of others. His father modeled the new life of modern education and labor needed to sustain the coming generations.
He was a natural learner, young at heart with an old spirit that connected with all who crossed his path. His presence here on Earth will be remembered by his love to hunt and fish and his ability to lift spirits with humor and gifts of meaningful and thoughtful compassion. He was a talented heavy equipment operator, earned his CDL, and maintained an incredible amount of knowledge of every road and every area throughout Northeastern Montana that amazed all he hunted with.
William’s heart gravitated toward children and he found ways to make them feel special. He was blessed with beautiful children he loved and adored unconditionally and each one is blessed with his special traits that will forever carry on his memory.
He reconciled the relationships needed to find peace and completed his wholeness with God on September 3, 2020. He was met by the great inspiration in his life, Grandma Susan Red Boy. Grandma Sue made his heart strong to endure life’s struggles, to keep firm in the beliefs he was taught. William was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Francis William Dupree and Bertha Brown, paternal great grandparents Peter and Mabel Dupree, maternal grandparents Irene Ireland and Frank Brave Bull, maternal great grandparents Francis Ireland and Martha Ashley, grandparents Eli and Thena Buck Elk, Grandmother Agatha Ireland, sister Theanne Ireland, Uncles Clint and Charles Fool Bear; Aunties: Iris Richards, LaVonne Jones and Eileen Long Chase; cousins: Donald Buck Elk, Drew, Trina, and Charles Red Dog, Donnie Weinberger, Leonard Eagle, Darrell Christian, Adrian and Alfred Ireland, Lakota First.
William is survived by his beloved children Annika, Bailey, Zane, Colton, and Paisley Dupree; parents Peter Dupree and Ernestine Ireland; Auntie Darlene Left Hand, Uncle Adrian and Auntie Peggy Ireland; brother Dennis Russell; sisters Kelly Ann Grey Bear, Fellini Adams, Ashleigh (Coy) Weeks, and Sioux Glory Dupree; Freda Steele; special nieces Thea, Amelia, Sara, Wilhelmina Weeks, Destiny Melbourne and nephews Lincoln and Josh Grey Bear, Freda Steele Family, Buck Elk family, Hazel Eagle Family, Uncle Brad Grey Hawk Family, Uncle Otto Cantrell Family, cousins Marina Wicahpi, Tristan Ward, Paul V. Reddog, Joycelene Reddog, Steven Sitting Bear, Tomi Cimarosti, Andrew, Adam, Alden, Tony and Adrianne Ireland, Jason Grey Hawk, Orlonda and Justin Gray Hawk, Joel Ferguson, Caren Ireland, Auntie Roberta Long Chase Family, Auntie Elain Mclaughlin Family, Auntie Ella Dupree Family, Uncle Charlie Murphy Family, Ireland Family, Brave Bull Family, Uncles Archie, Duane, and Bobbie Fool Bear Families, Thunder Hawk Family, Mildred Ricker Family, Mary Buckles Family, Walking Eagle Family, Mabel Daniels Family, Grey Hawk Family, Dupree/Dupris/Duprus Family. Our greatest apologies to the many dear grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, and nephews we’ve forgotten to mention at this very difficult time, so many and so much has been left out. Special acknowledgement to all of his friends who knew him by Hunta.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 9 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10 at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment will follow at the Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
*** Due to COVID-19 guidelines we are asked to keep attendance at the services limited to 50 individuals. Masks are required for all public services.***
Roberta Bell says
My nephew, son will forever remain in our hearts.
Jlanie Mist Moran says
You were such a good person you will be greatly missed by everyone.condolences to the family
Robert L McAnally says
Cousin Peter and Family. We send you our deepest condolences and are praying that you are going to be comforted by Wakan Tanka,s healing spirit. We send our love and ask the Creator to bless you all. Aho
Bob, Terry and Mickey McAnally
tina magnan says
My prayers and hugs go out to Tonto and Ashley. And to the rest of the extended family.
May all the memories give some comfort, at this difficult time.
Bootsiej says
So sorry for your loss my condolences to you, Ernestine ,Ashley and other family members.
Ty Olson says
Condolences to the Family 🙏💜 he waa a good man & his kids lost a great one 💪😉 Rest Easy Hunta
Felicia says
My cousin I still can’t believe your gone!! I will miss u always fly high cuz I love u
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Prayers and thoughts of comfort sent your way as you prepare to say farewell. May your hearts be lifted by the memories.
Lori Canyon says
Ernestine, and family…my condolences to you..prayers go out to ur family
MIKE O says
MY CLASSMATE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN, HAVE SOME GOOD MEMORIES OF PLAYING BASKETBALL TOGETHER IN JH HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY MY FRIEND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, TOKSA AKA
Barbara Perry says
Ernestine and Peter, I didn’t know your son, but my sincere sympathy to you both and the family.
Loren Boadle and family says
Our prayers to the family, Hunta was a great man and it was a joy to know him.
Shantre says
Will was my childhood friend, we did a lot cruising on his quad, played basketball together, walked brush, fished, went to sweat lodge with him and is boy Zane. Always said high and will be missed very much. Our family send Condolences to your family
Darryl & Ramey GrowingThunder Family says
Our sincere condolences to the thiospaye! You are in our prayers! We Love You guys! 💜
Donna Dethman says
Ernestine, Pete and Ashleigh, I am so sorry for your loss of William. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryle says
Hunta we will surely miss ur smile ,the encouragement and most the laughter we will all meet again :the White Hawk Family
Traci says
Ash, Ernie, Tonto and my little daughter-in-law and the rest of William’s family:
My condolences for your loss. William was always a good friend, I have a lot of great memories of our time living in Polson. Seemed like we only had each other back then but William, Lacey and I always had a good time.
Once, at the end of the month, Tolley cheffed up because we had to pool our food together. We had chicken and rice soup, potato salad, frybread and goulash. We always laughed about that meal. William called it our last supper bc it reminded us of funeral food.
Another time William, Annika, Tolley and Connie Martinez and I took a drive around flathead lake and ended up at hungry horse dam. That was a good day. Annika Bananika was always our little ride or die partner back then.
Journey well,
I’ll always remember you my friend. ❤
Joel Rae Ferguson says
Baby Cousin. You broke a lot of hearts William. BUT YOUR AN ANGEL NOW. I’m going to miss that smile.. I will always remember the fun we had hanging out.. FLY HIGH. Tell Grandma Susie hello for me..
Carlos J Buck Elk | West Glacier Park, MT says
My condolences to all the families. 💙
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolence to Pete, Ernestine, Ashley, his children, and Freda. My prayers for comfort, healing and strength during the loss of William. He will be missed by all that knew him. R.I.P. William
Mike Watson says
Peter, Ernestine and Ashley,
So sorry to hear that you are missing the presence of your son and brother, William. Our deepest sympathies are with you. Know that there are people at great distances caring about you and your family. God bless.
Susan McGrail says
Ernestine and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days to come.
Rita Weeks says
My condolences to Freda and children, Ernestine, Pete, Ashley and the many relatives and friends of William. May your wonderful memories fill your heart with peace and comfort. God bless you all!
Gay Pennington says
Ernestine, Ashley, and the rest of the family. You have my deepest Condolence for the loss of William. I’ve got to know
him when I met Ernestine and became friends. He would always say hi and we would visit. He had a smile on his face. He will be miss by everyone. May god bless you all. My love to you Ernestine and Ashley. See you soon. Rest in peace William. Love from Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Penny Kaleva says
So very sorry to hear of your loss. William will be missed on earth. You are in my prayers.
EJ Lambert says
My sincere condolences, Peter, Ernestine and families. I had the pleasure of meeting your son, because we had the same passion for hunting we became friends ! He would always tease me I let a couple big guys go for you with a big smile …. RIP my friend
EJ Lambert says
My sincere condolences Pete, Ernestine and families. I met your son a few years ago, because we both shared a passion for hunting we became friends. With a huge smile he would always tell me I saved a couple big guys for you ! RIP Honta gonna miss you ……
EJ Lambert says
My sincere condolences Peter, Ernestine and families, my heart goes out to all of you during this time of your loss …
Laura Haefer says
Ernestine and Peter, I am so sorry to learn of your loss of William. I know we haven’t connected in many years, Ernestine. I have fond memories of our time together in the school. You are in my thoughts and prayers.