A.T. Stafne

A.T. “Rusty” Stafne was born on December 26, 1935 in a southside home in Wolf Point, Montana. His parents were Josephine Hancock and John Stafne. By the time he turned 6, he had become an orphan. He was raised by his Grandparents, Medicine Clouds outside of Wolf Point near Oswego, where he resided. Rusty was called Rusty because of his rust-colored hair he had as a child. He attended school in Wolf Point and Poplar. When he was 16, he was interested in joining the Army. His sister Joanne Pipe signed the papers for him to join. He became an infantry soldier in Korea. He earned medals for sharp shooting and combat infantry. He came back an infantry Korean War veteran at age 17. His Aunt Annie Hancock initiated a welcome home dance in his honor where he received his Nakota name, Amba Tahinkea, which is Appears in the Morning. He attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.

He worked at different homesteads as a farm hand until he met his wife June Shields. They met at Sheridan, Wyoming where she was participating in the Miss Indian World pageant. Rusty was asked to help with the horses. They later became married in October of 1959. They participated in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Relocation Act and moved to San Jose, California. It was here their three children were born; Twilia, Tom and Grant. He worked at the Sears Company and only quit there to move back to the Fort Peck Reservation. They both wanted to move home which was their goal. Rusty enjoyed rodeos and was a founding member of the Fort Peck Indian Rodeo club. They fund raised weekly to hold an Indian Rodeo on the Fort Peck Reservation. He participated in Wild Horse Race competitions. He, Dusty Archdale and his brother-in-law, Buddy Pipe won many events together. In 2009, he was the Grand Marshall of the Wild Horse Stampede in Wolf Point.

He studied to pass the bar exam to be a tribal judge becoming the Chief Tribal Judge of the Fort Peck Tribes. June was on the tribal council for years and worked in different capacities for the tribes. Rusty was approached to run for tribal council. He sat for number of years. He was asked to run for Tribal Chairman and successfully achieved this endeavor, being a 3-term leader. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in bringing the bison back on our land, which he is very proud of this accomplishment. This came about because he was on the Montana Fish and Game Commission being appointed by his good friend Governor Schweitzer. In 2013, his beloved June passed away. Rusty retired but enjoyed spending his days with his horses and keeping busy with family events.

Rusty passed away in the early morning hours on August 26, 2026 at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive. He was a humble man with a reward of legacy of gratitude from his people for living a good life. AT was instrumental in providing content about war and the history of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux buffalo. We are forever grateful for his insight and wisdom.

AT Stafne is a true hero, warrior, and epitome of a selfless man. Thank you for all of the sacrifice and hard work you have put in throughout your life and your service to our country.

Rusty is survived by daughter Twilia Bearcub, Junior White Eagle whom he took as a son. Grandchildren: Jade Daniels, June Azure, Jesse, Jace Daniels, he raised Jordan Stafne, Arianna Neutgents, Rashane Walking Eagle, Clay, Cauy, Cade, Chief and Cewl Stafne and Wilder Bearcub. Great Grandchildren: Jayden and Cru, Anjulie and Damian, Jazmyn, Bostyn, Kellyn, Rowan, Jaxon, Taimer’Rain, Ada, Kimmimina, Emmalin, Kaidy, Kehlani, Kayto, Kaylynn, Mia, Jordan, Kylar, Vanessa and Rusti. One Great-Great child is Esme’. He is survived by his extended families; Pipes, Medicine Clouds, Cantrell, Denny, Balch, Loveshim, his niece Sybil Duchene and he was of the Wadopana Clan. His friend of many years Corky Birge and Family.

Dad loved his Wolf Point/ Oswego People. He only wanted the best and served his Fort Peck Reservation. The land and water is for the future, protect it all with our tatanga.

His family that went before him greeted him. He was most happy to be reunited with his wife June his sons Tom and Grant. His parents, sisters: Joanne, Joy, Marie, Lavina, Naomi, Aunt Annie and his brother Gary.

Great Grandchildren Brynn and Kraze. Please forgive if we left out anyone. We are sorry as family is large and friends are larger.

He was laid to rest at the Stafne Family Ranch, west of Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

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