A Life Devoted to the Gospel and to People
Dr. Gerald Isadore Yellowhawk, Eyapaha Wakan, meaning “The Sacred Herald,” devoted his life to sharing the Gospel, mentoring leaders, and strengthening Native American ministry within The Wesleyan Church. Through decades of pastoral service, cultural advocacy, and spiritual leadership, he modeled leadership marked by humility, courage, and deep faith.
In recognition of his lifelong impact, Oklahoma Wesleyan University awarded Dr. Yellowhawk an Honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1994. This honor reflected OKWU’s commitment to developing servant leaders who advance God’s Kingdom through faithful witness and cultural respect.
“As the most significant Native American minister our denominational tribe has yet produced, it will be another lifetime to see someone match his contributions as a leader. Jerry not only modeled the Lakota virtues of generosity, courage, respect, and wisdom—he was living proof that we all can be made new and live a holy life through faith in Jesus Christ.”
– Dr. Jerry Pence, former General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and OKWU alumnus
Dr. Yellowhawk passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy of faithful obedience and servant leadership. His funeral was held January 20, 2026, at Fountain Springs Wesleyan Church in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Rooted in Calling, Grounded in Community
Born October 8, 1936, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Yellowhawk came to faith as a young man. He later pursued ministry training at Brainerd Indian School. In 1960, he began pastoral work alongside his wife, Johanna, serving Native communities with compassion and resolve.
His early ministry included founding the Cheyenne River Lakota Chapel in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. There, his heart for Indigenous spiritual formation took root.
Ordained in 1966, Yellowhawk later became Superintendent of the Native American District of The Wesleyan Church. He guided ministry efforts across reservations and advocated for culturally rooted expressions of Christian faith. His leadership emphasized reconciliation, dignity, and honoring Native identity within the life of the Church.
A Bridge-Builder for the Church and Future Generations
Beyond denominational leadership, Yellowhawk supported Wesleyan Native Ministries, Mission America, and WICONI International. He also contributed to Lakota Scripture translation efforts with Wycliffe Bible Translators. A gifted artist, speaker, and Lakota language advocate, he served as both bridge-builder and spiritual elder to generations.
Dr. Yellowhawk was honored at his funeral by Dr. Jerry Pence, former General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and OKWU alumnus, sharing, “As the most significant Native American minister our denominational tribe has yet produced, it will be another lifetime to see someone match his contributions as a leader. Jerry not only modeled the Lakota virtues of generosity, courage, respect, and wisdom—he was living proof that we all can be made new and live a holy life through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk’s life stands as a powerful example of how the Gospel, when lived with humility and cultural respect, can transform communities and shape leaders for generations to come.
