Peter Junior Sandcrane sadly passed away at the age of 67, on July 7th, 2026, after battling kidney disease for the past two years. He was born on March 13, 1959, to Peter H. Sandcrane and Agnes Oldbull in Birney, Montana and was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

He lost both his father and mother as a young child and went to live with his grandparents on their ranch in Lame Deer. His fondest memories were of his grandmother's cooking and going fishing on the nearby river by the ranch. He spoke fondly of that time in his life but while living there, the U.S. government decided to take the native children from their families and move them to a Catholic boarding school where they were forced to forget their Indian ways and language. During this time, his grandparents also passed and he was assigned to foster parents who he loved dearly. He was with them through his teen years.

During his life, he worked in construction and as a maintenance contractor. He was also a very talented carpenter and would spend hours planning his next 'build'. He liked to be busy and knew the value of hard work.

He met the love of his life, Janie, while working in a kitchen in Missoula. They were married on Feb. 25, 2013, and continued to live in Missoula.

They moved several times in the next few years from Missoula to Stevensville and then to Anaconda where they spent 5 years. The past three years were spent in Hilger, MT where he passed at home.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his sister, Eva, and brother Edward as well as a cousin, Debbie Little Bird. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janie; his nephew Terry Sandcrane of Billings; his sister, Sandra Sandcrane of Lame Deer; as well as numerous other family members.

All of our lives were enriched by Pete's strong spirit, calm and giving nature, and his loving heart. He cherished his family and if he counted you as a friend, you'd never be forgotten.

In lieu of a service, the family asks that contributions be made to local charities that support the health and wellness of the Native American community, reflecting Pete's love for his people and his roots. Condolences for the family can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com