Kristina Young Bear

TAMA-Kristina Young Bear “Magikettiwi”, 56, of Tama, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024 at her home under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Traditional Wake will be held Saturday evening, December 14, 2024 at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Kristina was the youngest daughter of George Young Bear Jr. and Ernestine Keahna. She was born on January 22, 1968, and raised in Denver, CO. She moved to Tama with her family in 1979. Kristina spent her high school years at Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, OK and Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD. With her charismatic personality and infectious sense of humor, Kristina made friends where ever she went. As an adult, Kristina worked at Meskwaki Bingo & Casino Hotel as a cashier, dealer, executive host, and security. She enjoyed the interaction with both employees and customers and always put a smile on people’s faces.

Her hobbies included gardening, baking, beading necklaces, and cooking in general. She had a love for Keno and watching Law & Order.

She is survived by her longtime companion, Tom “Tuckwin” DeGand; son, Jacob (Hunter)Young Bear; daughter, Carlissa Corral; grandkids, Brennen and Carson Young Bear, and Kattalaeya Zavala; brothers, Craig (Mai) Young Bear Sr., Chad Keahna, Luke Kapayou, Simon Buffalo, Douglas Cadotte, John Roberts, and Jay (Mary) Roberts; sisters, Nina Young Bear, Mary Young Bear, LeAnn Morgan, Marti Jefferson and Joetta Roberts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kristina was preceded in death by her father, George Young Bear Jr; her mother, Ernestine Keahna; daughter, Rachel Young Bear; brother, George Young Bear III; maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents; niece, Leila Young Bear; nephews, Neil Young Bear, and Lowell Young Bear.

A special thank you to Kelly Purk at Tama County Health & Home Care and Iowa River Hospice for their special care provided for Kristina.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is assisting the family with the arrangements.