Grant was born on July 28, 1967 to A. T. “Rusty” and June Shields Stafne in San Jose, CA.
He joined a sister, Twilia Bear Cub and a brother Tom. The family moved back to Montana and the Fort Peck Reservation shortly after his birth. Grant had so much energy and always was doing something crazy. His sense of humor was on point always and he teased everyone and I mean everyone for no one was safe from him. Laughter followed Grant where he was. He kept the family on their toes with his antics. He attended school in Wolf Point, Mt. graduating in 1985. That year, he went to state in track for high jump. He went to HASKELL for two years and Dawson Community College. He loved sports such as basketball and baseball. But his favorite is Rodeo. Specifically, the Wild Horse Race. He won many events and had championship belt buckles from all over. He belonged to the Fort Peck Rodeo club and the INFR. He was instrumental in getting the Fort Peck Rodeo established and part of the circuit. He loved riding horses and was planning on team roping with his friends this summer.
He worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs starting in 1993 to 1998 as a realty clerk at Fort Peck Agency. He then became a Realty Specialist in Fort Belknap until 2001. Where he went to work in Billings as the Realty Specialist for the Rocky Mountain Region. He was detailed to Albuquerque, New Mexico as a Realty Officer then in October of 2002, he went to Nashville, TN where he became a country singer..sang at the Grand ole Opry.(Gotcha Grant-you’d do that to me!) No, really he was a Realty officer for the Eastern Region, Division of Trust Responsibilities. In 2003, he moved back to Fort Belknap as Realty Officer, then became the BIA Deputy Superintendent in 2004-2008. Grant moved back home to the Fort Peck Reservation to be the BIA Deputy Superintendent at the Agency, 2008-2011. He loved his people and served on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive board with our dad as Tribal Chairman for a few years. Grant then served his brothers faithfully, the Tataga(buffalo). Grant felt the need to run again for tribal executive board winning a seat. In 2022, Grant saw that the Fort Peck Agency needed a Deputy Superintendent-Trust and applied for the position where he served until his death.
Grant married Mary Jackson and had all sons. They later divorced. Grant was a great single father for years. He took pride in his cooking, often posting pictures of his cuisine he would chef up. He coached little league baseball for his boys. He loved following the Wolf Point Wolves Basketball team, being their biggest fan. He was so proud of his boys. He fell in love with the beautiful Clarissa Bell from Fort Belknap the summer of 2023. They became engaged and were to be married in the summer. They were the happiest couple around.
Grant was diagnosed with colon cancer in November and had surgery to remove the tumor in December. He was in the process of chemotherapy in the stage 3 process. He succumbed to it on March 15, 2024.
We will never understand why such a great man who loved life, loved his people, his children, his grandchildren, his family, his job, and his friends would be taken from us. The Creator needed him more and am positive there is laughter where he is now.
Survived by his Father A.T. “Rusty” Stafne, sister Twilia Bear Cub, his beloved fiancée Clarissa Bell, his children, Ariana Neutgens, RaShane Walking Eagle, Chryss Jackson, Clay, Cauy, Cade, Chief, and Cewl Stafne. He will be missed by his brother Junior White Eagle(Sandra), nieces June Azure, Jade Daniels, nephews Jordan Stafne, Jesse Daniels, Jace Daniels and Wilder Bear Cub, cousin Sybil Duchene, his Aunts, Sherry Shields, Sandy Azure, and Yvonne Shields. Other survivors are his Uncle Stoney Anketell, Shields cousins, Pipe cousins, Balch cousins, Azure cousins, Baker cousins, James cousins, Cantrell cousins, Denny cousins, Anketell cousins, and Medicine Cloud cousins. He will be terribly missed by his grandchildren, Mia, Jordan, Vanessa, and Rusti Cecelia. His adopted families include the Adams Family, Red Eagle/Dionne family as he took Maureen as his sister, and many more. His work families will miss his wit and knowledge. He was preceded in death of our mother June Shields Stafne, brother Tom Stafne and his son Delmar Martell. His Aunts Joy Shields, Shirley Shields, Roseann Shields, Joy Martin, Joanne Pipe, Marie Esparza, Uncles Gary Medicine Cloud, Caleb Shields, Ken Azure, Fish Red Stone, Robert Martin, cousins Larry Connor, Pat Clements, Kenny Heathman, Ken Azure, Jr. Antoinette Shields, and John Pipe. We are related to many as we come from the Medicine Cloud/Hancock family, Shields family, Nakoda and Dakota Wadopana and Bad Temper Bear clans. If we left out anyone, it was not intentional, please forgive us we are in shock of losing our GRANT.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday March 22, 2024
Wolf Point Community Hall
515 6th Ave. S.213
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Wolf Point High School Auditorium
213 6th Ave. S.
Wolf Point , Montana 59201
Burial
11:30 a.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Stafne Family Ranch
8079 US Highway 2
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Wolf Point Community Hall
515 6th Ave. S.
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday March 22, 2024
Wolf Point Community Hall
515 6th Ave. S.213
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Wolf Point High School Auditorium
213 6th Ave. S.
Wolf Point , Montana 59201
Burial
11:30 a.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Stafne Family Ranch
8079 US Highway 2
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Saturday March 23, 2024
Wolf Point Community Hall
515 6th Ave. S.
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Share
John Colliflower says
I’ve always known Grant to be a man of his word sprinkled with a genuine sense of humor. I know Fort Peck will miss him and I wish healing for those that love him.
Punkie Jo Jackson says
My Sincerest Condolences To Your Family Grant, You Most Definitely Be Missed. Crazy Guy Forever Scoring On Everyone lol We Had Some Crazy Fun Times….
Florence Garcia says
Condolences to Grant’s family. He was a good man and positive leader with a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to all of Grant’s family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss.
Taf & Kimberly Tusi says
Grant was such a nice guy. He was such a funny and positive fellow to be around. He always treated me and my husband like we’ve been friends forever when we haven’t seen each other in awhile. He made you feel welcomed.
My condolences to his family and community.
colleen says
My condolences to Grant’s family, Clarissa, Twyla, Rusty, his boys and his grandbabies. He loved being grandpa to those babies. Grant had a sense of humor that left an impression on everyone he met. We miss him here at work. He would always stop in my office for a little gayopee session over the haps of the weekend, or what happened with the strategy of the Wolf Point Wolves. Grant was a proud fan of the Wolf Point Wolves. I know our hearts are broken here on earth since he left but the reunion in the Heavens must of been amazing. His mother, brother Tom, relatives and friends are rejoicing Grant has entered his heavenly home. I for one will miss you forever Grantina, but I know I will see you again. Rest in Paradise my friend.
John Summers & family says
Our Deepest Condolences to your Father AT, Children, Sister Twyla, Clarissa, & family. I will miss your presence in the Chambers, & your extensive knowledge in land, you were always there to give us advice. Rest easy my friend, our fearless leader, jokester, & most of Thank you for being an all around Papa to our grandchildren Baby V & Rusti. You will never be forgotten old grandpa, enjoy the heavens with all your loved ones.
Love John, Stacey, Sierra, Peyton, Luke & baby girls. 🫶🏀
Ivan Posey says
Grant was a wonderful brother/friend. I’ve known him for several years and always felt better after I seen him. Always smiling and kind. He left a bright light for others to follow. Comfort and prayers for his family, friends and community. Gonna miss you Bro…
Georgia Cantrell Dupuis says
What a beautiful tribute…this death is tough as Grant was one of a kind. I will miss seeing my cousin when we come home. No matter where I was I would here him yelling my nickname an it would always make me laugh out loud. Prayers for all that loved him as he was a true statesmen for our people of Fort Peck Tribes and loved by many. Rest in Paradise Cuz no more pain we will meet again…
Joe Leggett says
Grant was a great guy, a great friend and just a great person. He came from a great family, it showed.
Anita Trice says
It’s hard d to grasp that such a bright light has been taken from this world. But his light luves on in all that he touched. He brought so many smiles to everyone. I’ll miss you Cuzn. To his wife and immediate family, know that you have my deepest condolences and that I’ll keep you up in prayer. May be one as we carry on and keep him in our spirit. Love n respect from my family to yours🙏🏼🪶
Nancy Sietsema says
To Grant’s Family – your father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and Clarissa, I’m sending love and prayers. Grant was a wonderful friend to all and will be missed by many. He worked hard for his Indian country and represented it well.
Gone to soon, but I know you were welcomed with open arms by your mom and Tom. Prayers for everyone that loved you 🙏❤️🙏. Cherish all your wonderful fun memories of such a great man.
Sandy Martinez Mahoney says
LOVED the obituary!! You had me for a sec with the Nashville singer 🤪 He totally would have loved it!! Grantie you have touched many lives & have left a hole in many. You were a blessing to family, friends & the reservation. Thanks for the memories 💗
Bede Weasel says
My sincere condolences to all his family, friends, work family and all who loved. He will be dearly missed by all. He was such an awesome friend, collogue. Rest easy my friend – Grant Prayers and hugs to the family.
Thalla Paddock says
OMG, a country singer, you had me there for awhile. I attended Haskell Indian Junior College with Grant and would reconnect through Facebook. I will miss his humor, food photos and pictures of his granddaughter. What a great guy.
#onwardhaskell
Clint and Arlyss Long says
Our condolences to the Stafne family. ❤️
Kerry Girty-Cuny says
Sending condolences to the entire Stafne family. I didn’t know Grant, but I believe he went to Haskell Juco the same time my twin sister did. Another Haskell Alumni loss, I know my sister Sherry Girty was there to welcome him at the pearly gates!
Grandma Patt says
May God bless your journey into your next new exciting adventure, dear Honorable Councilman Grant Stafne. You are already missed here in Mother Earth. My love and condolences to you and your family. God bless Twilia and Wilder. God bless your beautiful Fiancé . God bless your Daddy. God bless your nephew Jordan and Shai-Lee and family. God bless all of your loved ones. We will all miss you Grant. We will see your handsome face once again. I know your Beautiful Mommy June came after you,. Families Are Truly Forever!! Hugs and Love from Grandma Patt ~ May God bless Dusti and Baby Vanessa and all your Takojapi.
Dale Buckles says
My sincerest condolences to the entire Grant family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏
J.W. Smith known by Grant only as “Slim” says
Grant was my supervisor back in Oct 2002-Oct 2003 here in Nashville. He was gonna treat you so many ways you had to like one of’m!! Not a dull moment ever…
Sorry I couldn’t make the funeral. My family sends our regards and condolence’s to his children, grand children, sister and dad and the entire family and many many friends. I would like to share something with you all, something that I will not forget…
When Grant was Realty Officer for BIA Eastern Regional Office here in Nashville TN… he was telling me about INFR and the wild horse races back home and how he was the mugger on a team and how he would bite the wild horse ears to calm them down so the team could get the saddle on and buckled up… then off the rider would go holding on tight while trying to guide the wild horse across the finish line… Well, I saw a rodeo poster of a rodeo that was taking place in Gallatin TN near Hendersonville and Nashville… I called Grant straight away because it said one of the events was wild horse races… Well just me telling him that, lit his 🔥 as he missed wild horse races something bad from back home… He wanted directions because he had to go by his house and get his wild horse race saddle and gear and he would be on his way… we met up at the fair grounds in Gallatin TN and there we were, gathering all the gear out of his ford explorer. With the arena in the distance, we could hear everything going on… Grant was excited and keyed up… just from hearing the announcer over the P-A speakers… here Grant goes, ,taking long strides to the arena, wild horse race saddle flung over his shoulder and hat pulled down good and tight, boots with the spurs and all. He said he would try to get on a team at least maybe he could mug or be an anchor man or even rider. Well, as he got closer to the arena entrance, he could see the teams in the arena grounds good enough… right then and there he froze in his tracks, drops the saddle and anchor rope and and gear, then he said “HOQUAH SLIM!!! These ain’t no wild horses, CRY!! Dems Jacka$$’s!!” he spun around on his heels and gathered his gear and went back to the car and left…🤣 The saying is quite the opposite, that day, I believe a team of wild horses could have made him stay… but he wasn’t having anything to do with those Jacka$$’s!!! He said ain’t NO WAY that he would have the news of him get around back home that he was wild horse racing with aJacka$$!!! I said “Grant, look on the bright side, at least as a mugger you wouldn’t have any problem getting that ear to bite on!! He said HOQUAH! SLIM, YOU AIN’T RIGHT!!
Laughter always seemed to be the best medicine when we were around Grant! He had a way to generate a laugh and as beneficiary of the laughter, I can say I was better because of it… (even if often times it was at my expense. 🤣)
Rest easy cowboy, your race has run its course, we will keep our memory of you fresh in our minds and in our hearts and think of you often, until we meet again!
J W “SLIM” Smith
Dale J Stensland says
Condolences.