Ignatius "Iggy" George Stiffarm

Ignatius George “Iggy” Stiffarm Jr. made his journey home on March 2, 2022. He was born March 26, 1947, to Ignatius “Ginn” Stiffarm and Florence Skinner Stiffarm at Fort Belknap, Montana. He was the youngest son of 9 siblings and was given the Indian name Iteihc or Strong Man; a name that would define his whole being. Iggy was a character, teased and joked with everyone throughout his life. He was greatly loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and countless others.

Iggy attended school at Hays, Glasgow, and Flandreau Indian school. After he attended school, he joined the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean War. This service was an honor Iggy was very proud of. He graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University with a degree in Carpentry and Missoula Vo-Tech with a Forestry degree. In 1972, he met Nancy in Dillion, Mt when he tried to fix her car. He married her on her 21st birthday December 15, 1973, in Butte, Montana and said that was her present forever.

Iggy worked in Elk City, ID, Tonopah, NV, and Missoula, MT before moving back to Ft. Belknap where he worked in Fire Management for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for over 30 years. He and wife Nancy raised his three children Jennifer, Ignatius III and Jessica. Ignatius served as a positive male role model to his many family members and other young people. Ignatius often shared his knowledge by taking out running, groups, hunting parties, and fire crews. He excelled as a long-distance runner competing in many races throughout Montana and Indian country, often leaving others in his dust. His favorite pastime was hunting, he harvested many trophies through the years. He also enjoyed watching bull riding, most sports and old westerns.

He was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2004 and was given two years to live. Through his stubbornness and with the care of his wife, children, and many others continued to live life with an optimistic attitude, strength and humor for another 17 years. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and especially close to Shayne and Emjai. His grandchildren were the light of his life and brought him much joy. He was a champion to his family and loved to sponsor games and contests for them. He had a quick wit and unique perspective on life. He will be dearly missed. He will be laid to rest on his land at Drylake.

Iggy is survived by his wife of 48 years Nancy, children: Jennifer (Mike) Wilson, Ignatius George Stiffarm III, and Jessica Stiffarm. His grandchildren: Cory Stiffarm Jr, Michael Wilson Jr, Emjai Stiffarm, Shayne Stiffarm, Shania Wilson, Ralpha’ala Stiffarm, Abigail Stiffarm, Ignatius George Stiffarm IV, Kyaa nii heh, and Adaya Stiffarm. Siblings: Naomi LongFox, Jack Lamb, Clarice Lamb, Marlys (Joe) Fisher, Velva Doore, Marcia Hammet and Avis (Dan) Spencer, Ted (Pearl) Skinner and Shirley Brockie. God daughter Shalene Joseph and many nieces and nephews and cousins whom he loved very much.

Ignatius was preceded in death by his parents: Ginn and Florence, siblings Jewel Lamb and Arlis Lee “Fuzz” Stiffarm, and two infant sisters. Nephews: Cory Stiffarm Sr., Matt Lamb, Moke Cliff, Jimmy Lamb, and Andy Longfox and Nieces: Sharen Lamb, Lynette Chandler.

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