Rodger Americanhorse Jr., age 59, of Lame Deer

Our Beloved Rodger Americanhorse, Jr. and the only child of Doris and Rodger Sr. was called to his heavenly home by the Creator on April 23, 2025 in West Covina, California.  Rodger Jr. was born on January 17, 1966 and was raised, educated and employed in Los Angeles, CA all his life.  Rodger Jr. was very proud of his Native American Heritage, both Sac and Fox Tribe of Tama, Iowa and was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

For winter and summer breaks from school, Rodger Jr. looked forward to returning to the Cheyenne reservation to visit family and enjoy the comforts of home.  The simple things in life were what Rodger Jr. enjoyed most.

During Rodger’s younger years, for Christmas break, Rodger Jr. would come to the rez and go deer hunting with his Uncle Jason and Lonnie.  He loved the hunting environment and the wide-open country.  Some winter days, Rodger Jr. would take his sled, find the highest mountain and enjoy sledding on the Rez because Los Angeles never had snow.  Rodger Jr. waited anxiously for summer vacation, Rodger Jr. would get on the plane and fly home to Lame Deer with his bicycle and rode to his heart’s content all day long into the evening.  His Grandma Jessie followed in her car close by, to ensure Rodger Jr.’s safety.  During the July 4^th Pow-Wow, Rodger Jr. proudly wore his Indian Outfit and danced to the beat of the drum.

Rodger Jr. graduated from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.  He had great plans to further his education to obtain his second degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

At the US Bureau of Prisons, Rodger Jr. worked as a Native American Indian Counselor for the inmates.  He assisted in improving individual lives by giving love and hope to those in need.  Rodger Jr. was deeply involved in the Multi-Cultural Indian Club in the Los Angeles area.  He was willing to take the lead in cultural activities, including outreach to the Urban Indian Communities.

Rodger Jr. was the caregiver for both elderly parents and worked tirelessly without complaint.  By coordinating his parents’ healthcare, Rodger Jr. made many friendships with Medical Providers, Case Managers and nursing staff at various levels in the healthcare environment.  He maneuvered many processes of care for his parents with ease and dedication.

The Cultural and Medical resources Rodger Jr. utilized at the United American Indian Involvement Center (UAII) in Los Angeles, CA, Rodger Jr. took the entire staff as his second family and held each employee close to his heart. Special thanks to Christine Kamatani, LCSW, the Associate Clinical Director, Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, CA and UAII staff for extending such kind and loving condolences to Rodger Jr.’s family during this difficult time.  With deepest appreciation, we acknowledge the staff at the DaVita Covina Dialysis Center for providing Rodger Jr. with dialysis services with the most unwavering, loving and dedicated care.

Doris Americanhorse’s Sac and Fox Tribe of the Meskwaki Nation & Health Center employees and the staff at the Westbrook Acres Nursing Home in Tama, Iowa were instrumental in assisting the family to maneuver best practices to get our loved one back to his homeland.

Rodger Jr. is survived by his loving parents Doris and Rodger Americanhorse, Sr. from West Covina, CA, his beloved Aunt Margie Shoulderblade of Lame Deer, MT, who he called on a weekly basis and loved with all his heart.

Rodger Jr. is survived by his Lame Deer cousins and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Marvin and Jeanie Beartusk, Darlene (Michael) Hamilton, Larry (Marcella) Beartusk, Carolyn (Jason) Whiteman, Raymond (Denise) Hart, Dale and Sheryl Hart.  Other survivors include Carolyn Martin, Gloria Waters, Ella Miller, Betty Streeter and their families, Lonnie Littlebird and family, and all his Iowa relatives.

Rodger Jr. had outstanding leadership qualities that enhanced his accomplishments in his short life.  He was inspirational in sharing his strong faith in the Lord and has brought his Montana Family in union with the Creator.  Now his dreams have all come true, his work here on earth is complete.  Rodger Jr. often talked about his strong desire to be running free with the Buffalo.  Now, Rodger Jr. is dancing in the sky with the heavenly angels and his relatives who have gone on before him and running free with the Buffalo!

The family would like to thank all family, friends, and relatives who have played a role in Rodger Jr.’s life.  Thanks to the staff at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes for the opportunity to work tirelessly with the family of Rodger Jr. to bring him home to his final resting place on his Native Ground.

In closing, we give acknowledgment to the Creator who holds the Master Plan for all people, who provided daily focus and guidance through Bible Scriptures to the family with the best contacts to align all organizations mentioned in the Obituary with coordinated efforts for Rodger Jr. to make the long trip home.

Rodger, Jr. our love for you is endless and we will see you again.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

10:00 am

Friday May 16, 2025

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

Forsyth, Montana 59327

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