William "Kuzco" Beauprey (Mato Wihanble) Dreaming Bear made his spiritual transition to be with Creator on November 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Kuzco died of Agent Orange herbicide poisoning after voluntarily enlisting in the U.S. Navy and on to Vietnam at the age of seventeen. He received the Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

William Beauprey was instrumental regarding a Supreme Court case and won the case affecting Native Americans being allowed to keep their hair long while being incarcerated due to cultural beliefs.

William was born on March 2, 1953, to Peter Beauprey and Cordelia Beauprey. Kuzco was the second oldest of seven children, His sister, Ramona (Sheldon Webster) had always remained close throughout his life.

On January 12, 1980, he married the love of his life, Dona Skubitz Beauprey. Together for 41 years, they stood consistently through all of life's happiness and challenges. They celebrated 40 years of sobriety together as well.

William served as Jailor, Patrolman, Probation and Parole Director and "Acting Chief of Police, Interim". He worked for the Menominee Tribe for over 30 years.

Kuzco enjoyed Pow-Wows. He began dancing at an early age. He sang on the original "Smokeytown" drum in the 70's, then became head singer of the "Five Clan" drum. Kuzco also enjoyed hunting, fishing, being in the woods, eating blackberries, playing cards and horseshoes.

Above all, Kuzco's spirituality, family, friends, and adopted family were most important to him. He was known as the Sundance Chief of "Little Thunder Sundance".

His grandchildren and their friends were extremely close to him as were his adopted relationships. William Kuzco Beauprey is survived by his wife, Dona Skubitz Beauprey, their children; Me'Shan LaTender, Sa-sawn Beauprey (his baby girl), and Mowa-sa Beauprey who were always there for their dad, sisters-in-law; Bernadette Kuemmel, Mary Husby and Jean Beauprey, grandchildren; Richard Tourtilott III, Forrest Beauprey, Sharae Beauprey, Dayonna Beauprey, John William Beauprey Aguilar, Randy Beauprey Braveheart, Ty, Dayton, and Connor LaTender, many great-grandchildren, special nephews and nieces, Leon Kaske Fowler, Hutsa Webster, Coleman Stevens, Lorraine Shooter, Jennifer Fowler Nieto, Birana Ninham, Calvin Fowler, Mitchell Webster, Tasha Beauprey, Susan Webster, Carson, Komese, Logan and Jacob Beauprey, and many close nephews, nieces and adopted relationships. Kuzco had many good and loyal friends with special acknowledgement to Warren Warrington, Jeff Komanikin, Warren Wilber and sister Nell-Lee Hawpetoss, brothers-in-law, John Little Moon Gibbons and Warfield Moose Jr., special survivors are also his Little Thunder Sun Dance family. Kuzco loved his family and friends with all his heart.

Kuzco is preceded in death by his very loved and close grandson; Kenny Robert LaTender and Chance LaTender, his parents, Pete and Cordelia Beauprey, Frank and Sarah Skubitz, brothers, Richard and Randy Beauprey, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leon and Sarah Fowler and numerous family and friends.

Kuzco wished to remind all the above that "Love Never Dies" and he will always be there when needed. Take care of each other and hang on to your spirituality as there is no end.

Traditional Native American services will be held at the Beauprey residence, W3019 Fairground Road in Keshena, on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in the family ancestral cemetery located at the Beauprey's residence with military honors conducted by the Veterans of the Menominee Nation. Visitation will begin after 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at the Beauprey residence until the time of service on Thursday.