Beloved Ho-Chunk Elder and Community Leader Jean Marie Stacy-Snow Passes Away at 71

Stacy-Snow dedicated her life to serving the Ho-Chunk Nation and Denver Indian Center through social work, ministry, and advocacy for Elders.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jean Marie Stacy-Snow, a 71-year-old enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, passed away peacefully at her home in Black River Falls, Wisconsin on February 23, 2026. Stacy-Snow had a long career in social work, serving in various roles within the Ho-Chunk Nation and Denver Indian Center, including creating the Elder Community Work Program. She also served as a pastor and confirmation teacher at Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ. Stacy-Snow is survived by her three daughters, son, and many grandchildren.

Why it matters

Stacy-Snow's passing is a significant loss for the Ho-Chunk Nation and the broader Native American community. She was a respected elder, community leader, and advocate who dedicated her life to serving her people through social services, ministry, and championing programs to support elders. Her work left a lasting impact that will continue to benefit the Ho-Chunk Nation for years to come.

The details

Over her decades-long career, Stacy-Snow held numerous roles within the Ho-Chunk Nation and Denver Indian Center, including social worker, assistant director of social services, division manager for supportive education services, elder division manager, and most recently, executive director of labor. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping create the Elder Community Work Program, which provided meaningful opportunities for elders to remain engaged, share their teachings, and contribute to the wellbeing of the Nation. Stacy-Snow also served as a pastor and confirmation teacher at Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ, where her sermons were known for their humor, humility, and truth.

  • Stacy-Snow passed away peacefully at her home in Black River Falls, Wisconsin on February 23, 2026.
  • Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls.
  • The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM on February 26, 2026, with burial at the Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ Cemetery at 2:15 PM.
  • An online memory and photo-sharing tribute book will begin printing on March 5, 2026.

The players

Jean Marie Stacy-Snow

A 71-year-old enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation who dedicated her life to serving her community through social work, ministry, and advocacy for elders.

Ho-Chunk Nation

The Native American tribe that Stacy-Snow was an enrolled member of and where she held numerous roles throughout her career.

Denver Indian Center

The organization where Stacy-Snow also held various positions, including helping to create the Elder Community Work Program.

Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ

The church where Stacy-Snow served as a pastor and confirmation teacher, sharing her faith and teachings with the community.

Indian Baptist Church in Wisconsin Dells

The church where Stacy-Snow occasionally served as a guest preacher.

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What’s next

An online memory and photo-sharing tribute book will begin printing on March 5, 2026 to honor Stacy-Snow's legacy.

The takeaway

Stacy-Snow's life and work exemplified the values of service, compassion, and cultural preservation that are so vital to the Ho-Chunk Nation and Native American communities. Her lasting impact through programs like the Elder Community Work Division and her ministry will continue to uplift and guide her people for years to come.