OBITUARY FOR RODGER AMERICANHORSE
The Creator saw that our Beloved Rodger Americanhorse, Cheyenne Name: Ve’otse (Warrior Trail), had fought long and hard with his struggle with cancer and sent his Heavenly Angels to carry him into the loving arms of Jesus. The love, respect, prayers and dedication from Rodger’s family through his long illness, extended his time spent with family.
On September 26, 2025 at 1525, the hallways went silent at the VA Mountain View Living Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, as Rodger started his final Journey to his heavenly home. All Veteran employees and residents stood at attention in the hallways and paid their final respects to their fellow Veteran, Rodger during “The Final Veteran Salute” as he departed the VA. Our Veteran was escorted by the Sheridan Veteran Police in procession followed by his family, to the Sheridan Kane Funeral Home. Rodger was reunited with his Son, Rodger Jr. and many relatives and friends in Heaven.
On January 29, 1941, Rodger was born to Jessie Hart and James Americanhorse (deceased). Rodger was raised in a traditional home with his sister, Margie, by his Grandma Louise and Grandpa Charles Beaverheart (Hart) in Kirby and Lame Deer. Rodger was a humble and quiet man who was extremely proud to be a descendent of Chief Americanhorse. He received his education at Lame Deer Grade School, Colstrip High School, graduating from St. Labre High School in 1959. After graduation, he served proudly in the United States Army and was stationed in Paris, France from 1959–1962. He went on the BIA Relocation Program to Los Angeles, CA where he met “his future wife”, Doris Poweshiek from Tama, Iowa. They were married on April 17, 1965. Rodger Jr., their only son, was born on January 17, 1966 and joined his heavenly relatives on April 23, 2025.
Rodger is a true leadership success. He grew up as an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, left the reservation at age 18, for Military, education and work. Rodger received his College Degree in Business. Rodger worked for 60 consecutive years as a Supervisor for the Boeing Corporation in LA. He was the sole provider for his family. He returned to his native homeland at age 84 to receive ongoing medical care and be close to family on May 31, 2025. It was Rodger’s final wish to be laid to rest next to his son, Rodger Jr. in Lame Deer.
Survivors include: Doris Americanhorse, Rodger’s wife of 60 years, his sister-Mom, Margie Shoulderblade, Adopted Daughter, Carolyn (Jason) Whiteman & family. Nieces’: Jeanie Beartusk & family, Darlene (Michael) Hamilton & family, Nephews: Marvin Beartusk & family, Larry (Marcie) Beartusk & family. Numerous relatives include Nephew: Robert John Roberts & Sonja Morlan of Tama, Iowa along with many Iowa and California friends and relatives. Rodger had many relatives too numerous to name individually. Please know he loved all of you and spoke of you often.
Our Family would like to thank all family, friends, and relatives who have played a role in Rodger’s life. Margie & family who traveled to Sheridan daily and remained at Rodger’s bedside for the duration of his illness. Scott, Jason Sr. and Jason Whiteman, Jr., travel navigation escorts through California, Iowa and Wyoming to ensure Carolyn arrived to her appropriate destinations.
Thanks to the employees of the following organizations: The Team who joined in special planning efforts to bring Rodger home from West Covina, CA: Darrell Lamere and Missy (Scott) Whiteman, Native American Development Corporation (NADC), Blake Fuhriman, Veterans Navigation Network, Chris Mayo, Sheridan VA Travel, Patrick Wolff, N.C. Indian Health Service, Two Pilots of Sprint Bach Aviation, a subcontractor to The Flight King, the private jet contractor who flew Rodger, Jason, and Carolyn from CA to Wyoming for Rodger to be closer to home and allow daily visits from family and relatives.
The Doctors, Nurses and staff at the following medical centers: Kaiser Hospital, Royal Palms Acute Care Center, Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Sheridan Big Horn Nursing Home, Sheridan Veterans Hospital and VA Mountain View Living Center, First Interstate Bank of Colstrip, MT, Deacon Joe Kristufek, Champion Crane and Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes. Blessings to All for your prayers during our most difficult time.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Tuesday September 30, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 30, 2025
Allison Bixby Memorial Gardens
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Vernon Sooktis says
Chief Rodger American Horse
Wow, amazing! I am 70 years old and I have always heard about this uncle all my life. I am bless to finally see who this great man is. My Dad Charlea Sooktis Sr. was ask to be a Chief but he declined. There is a cousin Brother who lives in Calaforina, he would tell the men that came. He is the rightful Chief who is in line for Chief American Horse place, he is the the Chief so until then I would become a Chief. sad to say, both are now gone to carry the honor. All the males are gone but myslef. I would think since it comes back to Cheales as the next Chief and both of my brother are also gone, it would be me. but I am handicap I would place a grandson to have the honor, still has a long way to life. The Chieftain can not be broken for the American Horse Family. Mahe’o bless Margerie American Horse, Beartusk and family
Diana & Robert McLean says
Condolences Margie and family.