Aloysius Joseph Piper Jr.
June 25, 1967 – February 4, 2026
Aloysius Joseph Piper Jr. passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as the result of a tragic accident near Ethete, Wyoming. He was 58 years old.
Aloysius was born on June 25, 1967, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Aloysius Joseph Piper Sr. and Alice Marie Piper. His Indian name was Hee yei bee ei (Old Man Swift Hawk). Throughout his life, he lived in many places and was always on the move, including Rigby, Idaho; the Mill Creek area; and the Bridgeport area near Ethete.
He worked various outdoor and labor jobs and was happiest when he was outside. Aloysius was truly an outside guy. He proudly served as a firefighter with the BIA Forestry, known as the ShoRaps. After he was no longer able to serve in that role, he continued working on the camp crew. He was also employed at the Wind River Casino in housekeeping.
Aloysius enjoyed sports and competition, especially basketball. His family shared that he played in many tournaments and leagues throughout Montana, Idaho, and the Wind River Indian Reservation. In earlier years, he also loved playing horseshoes. He enjoyed traveling and had a remarkable gift for getting from place to place quicker than anyone else.
He especially loved going to the mountains to gather wood for ceremonies and cherished spending time with his family. Aloysius enjoyed powwows, Sundance, and helping wherever he was needed. He will be remembered for his joking and teasing of family, but most importantly for his willingness to help others. Family members recall him as the uncle who always had advice and encouragement, and whose care and concern for his family ran deeper than most ever realized.
Survivors include his mother, Alice Marie Piper; sisters, Alberta Piper and Caroline Piper; nephews, Raymond Piper, Lakota Piper, Sr., and Therin Dewey, Jr.; nieces, Marquette Welsh and Rosetta Piper; grandchildren, Marquelle Welsh, Carmelle Welsh, Olive Jorgenson, Bradley Dewey, RedPlume Dewey, Kamillah Piper, Lakota Piper, Jr., and Jodilynn Piper; and great-grandchildren, Rosella Brown and Arius Brown.
Preceded in death by his father, Aloysius Piper, Sr.; Howard Antelope and Betty Mae Antelope; Burton Hutchinson and Joyce Hutchinson; sisters, Cheryl Piper and Maurine Piper; nieces, Jody Lynn Dewey, Stephanie Piper, Denise Piper, and Rosita Piper; and granddaughter, Zhavia Semaj Jorgenson.
A wake will be held Monday evening, February 9, 2026, at the home of his mother, Alice Piper, located at 744 Blue Sky Highway, Ethete, Wyoming. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, also at his mother’s residence. Traditional burial will follow at Sage Redman Cemetery in Ethete.
Online condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.