Hans Youngbird, 71 years of age, from White Shield, North Dakota passed on Sunday Morning, June 3, 2018 after a short stay at the Vibra Sanford rehabilitation clinic, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield. Wake services will be held on Thursday at 5:00 pm at the complex.

Burial will be at St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery in White Shield.

Hans was born on October 28, 1946 in Elbowoods, North Dakota to Benjamin and Jessie Youngbird (Everett). He was born with his twin, Felix Youngbird. Hans was born first.

Hans was one of 13 children: Margie (decreased); Magdeline Yellow Bird; Pliga Bordeaux (decreased); Greta White Calfe; Teresa Danks; Delphine Hall (decreased); Jimmy Youngbird (decreased); Marilyn Youngbird; Laverne Pfliger (decreased); Joseph Youngbird; Felix Youngbird; and Sara Youngbird.

Hans attended school in Elbowoods (North Dakota), Chamberlain (South Dakota), White Shield (North Dakota), Wahpeton (North Dakota) and Eagle Butte (South Dakota), and was a good student and all-around athlete. Hans loved investigating his natural surroundings, riding horses, swimming in the river, playing with his siblings and cousins, and joking with everyone. As a youth, Hans was a curious and fun-loving person with the spark for life.

As a young child, Hans and his twin, Felix went to boarding school in Elbowoods because severe winters often prevented children from attending school, which was unacceptable. Hans' parents allowed the twins to attend boarding school because they had access to their older sisters for care and attention. They were well cared for while attending boarding school.

Hans joined the Army and was deployed to Vietnam in November 22, 1966. Hans was honorably discharged on November 21, 1968.

Upon discharge, and after taking time to reacquaint himself as a civilian, Hans returned to his homelands and began working as a construction worker until he accepted a job with the White Shield School. Hans had a kindness for children and they trusted him. Hans felt tremendous joy working at the White Shield School, helping and being surrounded by beautiful children. Hans got along with his co-workers and took a great deal of pride in his work.

In 1971, Hans married Clarinda Spotted Horse in a ceremony in White Shield, North Dakota. In due course, they welcomed their first child, Priscilla Youngbird; then their second child, Colette. In addition to their own children, Hans and his wife, Clarinda cared for extended family.

Hans' favorite sports to play were softball, basketball and golf. In 2016, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Tribe honored Hans for all his many years of contributions to the softball team. Hans loved golfing, playing basketball and softball with friends and family. On the day of his passing, his golfing buddies, Don and Grover Yellowbird, Keith LeBeau and Felix Youngbird, dedicated their tournament game to Hans. They won the tournament with 9 birdies and by 1 stroke.

Hans enjoyed hunting and fishing. Hans was a skilled hunter possessing the ability to see things unseen by others and take the animal with unparalleled precision.

Hans loved his black Labrador named Charlie.

Hans is preceded in death by his wife, Clarinda (deceased on 2017); his parents (Benjamin and Jessie); his siblings: Margie Youngbird; (decreased); Pliga Bordeaux; Delphine Hall; Jimmy Youngbird; and Laverne Pfliger.

Hans is survived by his children Priscilla Youngbird; Colette Youngbird; Grandchildren: Chyna; Mychel; Chloe; Lucy; Charlotte Ree and Claudia Rae, the Twins, and Cora Grace. His siblings: Magdeline Yellow Bird (Willard, deceased); Greta White Calfe (Oscar, deceased); Teresa Danks (John); Marilyn Youngbird; Joseph Youngbird (Madeline, deceased); Felix Youngbird (Carol); and Sara Youngbird, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.