JULIA O'CONNOR

Julia Rezek O’Connor, 50, of Lake Andes died Saturday, August 29, 2020 at her home in Lake Andes. Funeral services were Friday, September 4 at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes. Burial was in St. Philip’s Episcopal Cemetery, Lake Andes. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Julia Rose Rezak O’Conner C’an Cikana Win “Little Tree” was born to Viola O’Conner and George Rezak on June 21, 1970 at the residence of her biological grandfather, William O’Conner (Chief) Mato As’Api “Chasing Bear” at White Swan.

Julia grew up on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in Lake Andes area. She was the oldest of three siblings and then her brother Roger Hopkins was born eight years later and the youngest was her sister Edna Hopkins. Julia Rose loved and enjoyed her dogs and most of all the little children in our community. She was known as Auntie Julie. She also loved taking many pictures and visiting with everyone. Julia would trade the kids Dum Dum suckers for school pictures. Everyone had their own special bond with Julia Rose.

Julia was a big hearted, loving, caring and a very special unique individual. She gave Wa’Kan it’s true meaning. She taught cruel people to love and the community loved her the same.

Julia Rose leaves to mourn her brother Roger Hopkins and her sister Edna Hopkins both of Lake Andes along with many nieces, nephews and all of her friends who loved her beautiful soul.

Julia Rose is preceded in death by her mother Viola O’Conner, her father George Rezak, her stepfather Armand Hopkins Sr. who raised her most of her life, her grandfather Chief William O’Conner Mato As’Api and her grandmother Julie High Rock.