Lakota funeral director

Native Sun News: Charlie Rooks an Indian business success

By Jesse Abernathy“A special place for our oyate to celebrate life.”

That is the comforting guiding force, as well as stated mantra, behind both Rooks Funeral Chapel of Mission and Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Services at Serenity Springs of Rapid City.

Charlie Rooks is the director and, along with his wife, Rose, owner of both funeral homes. Dwight and JoAnn Edstrom are co-owners of Serenity Springs. Charlie and Rose also maintain residences in Mission, situated on the Rosebud Reservation, and Rapid City.

Rooks, 56, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, has been in the business of preparing the deceased for their Spirit World journeys for 25 years now. His quiet success as a Lakota entrepreneur is perhaps a most fitting complement to his humble affability–or vice versa.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Native Clans Caskets.