Heḣaka hotain k’u “Elk gave him the voice” AKA Vincent “Yuker” Lee Columbus Sr. age 70 of the Lower Sioux Community passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at his home after an extended illness. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Lower Sioux Rec Center. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Rec Center with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Interment is in St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Yuker was born December 23, 1954 in Redwood Falls to Thomas & Iola (Mireau) Columbus. He was baptized at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church. He attended school at the Bishop Whipple Mission at the Lower Sioux Community before graduating from Morton High School. He then attended vocational school at Kicking Horse, Montana for Heavy Equipment operation. On January 23, 1993, Yuker was married to LouAnn Pape in Washoe, Nevada. Together they made their home at the Lower Sioux. He coordinated AA meetings at the Lower Sioux and worked as a counselor for many years at Four Winds and The Thunderbird. Yuker then worked as floor manager at Jackpot Junction and operated a lawn mowing business for years with his brother Leon. Yuker enjoyed riding bicycle & watching the Minnesota Vikings. He was very good at woodworking and built many things over the years including sandboxes, coat racks and tool boxes as a hobby. Family meant the world to Yuker. Spending time at cookouts and their activities gave him great joy.

Yuker is survived by his wife Lou Ann Columbus; sons Vincent Columbus Jr and Joseph Columbus (significant other Markie); stepchildren: Alison, Rick & Evelyn; 12 grandchildren: Magazu, Mahpiya, Canté, Ohitika, Akicita, Isabel, EJ, River, Hunter, Tatanka, Karma & Josiah; siblings: Lillian Wilson, Marilyn HisDay, Christopher “Gus” Columbus, Melissa (Chris) Chee; brother in law Ray Geshick; adopted brother Ernie Rendon and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Dennis Whipple, brothers: Delano, Clyde, Leon, Glenford, Alvin, Kevin, Roland “Trulo”, Dan & Tim and sisters: Ramona, Sandra & LaVonne “Peps”.