Elliot Masquat 1978-2025

Elliot “Mwewegishek” Masquat, 47, Mayetta, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at Midland Hospice in Topeka.

He was born Aug. 15, 1978, in Topeka, the son of Curtis P. “Nin We” and Julia Harrison Masquat.

Mr. Masquat was the caretaker of the Buffalo Pen for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and helped in the initial phase of starting  construction of the Buffalo Program. He also worked construction for many years.

He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Drum Religion.

Survivors include three children, Curtis, Ila and Vince Masquat, all of Mayetta; three sisters, Angela “Jubby” Masquat, Mayetta, Josie “Mitchi” Masquat, Topeka, and Janelle “Zahwee” Masquat, Lawrence; and a grandson, Cedar Masquat.

He was preceded death by his parents, Curtis “Nin We” and Julia Masquat; and a sister, Naomi “Din” J. Masquat.

Drum services will be held Wednesday evening, Sept. 3 at the Danceground Building on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation. Mr. Masquat will lie in state Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be held Thursday afternoon, Sept. 4 at Old Danceground Cemetery.