Roderick "Toka Ole" HighElk

Roderick Bernard HighElk, 77, of White Earth, MN passed away on January 19, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Roderick HighElk was born on December 23, 1943 in Omaha, NE, to Isaac HighElk and Adelia (ThinElk) HighElk Longfox. Roderick earned his associates degree from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS. He served in the United States Army Special Forces as a sergeant first class during the Vietnam War.

Roderick was united in marriage to Joyce Hanks in 1968 in Becker County, MN. Roderick worked in Indian Education and for the White Earth Reservation Tribal Council. He also participated in the White Earth Ogitchidaa Society. He enjoyed going to the casino, pow -wows, rodeos, and playing bar bingo.

Roderick is survived by his wife of 52 years Joyce; his daughters Audra (Joe) Tonihka of Ogema, MN, and Autumn HighElk of White Earth; his grandchildren Sequoyah, Adrianna, Quanah, Danielle, Justina, Nathan, and Justin Jr.; his great -grandchildren Navionna and Baby Bear; his siblings Ramona (Jim) Fisher of Bismarck, ND, Doris (Tom) RedBird of Bismarck, ND, Alvin HighElk of Bismarck, ND, Goldie Stroup of Parker, AZ and Ali Gomez of Lake Havasu, AZ.

Preceding Roderick in death are his parents Isaac HighElk and Adelia Longfox; his brothers Fredrick HighElk, Marvin HighElk, Keith HighElk, Luvern HighElk and Moses HighElk.

A special thank you to his wife Joyce, granddaughters Adrianna and Justina, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for caring for Rod at home.