November 15, 1957– June 21, 2025
Celebration of Life Services for Rodney “RJ” John Yellow Fat (Mila Hanska “Long Lance”) were held June 30, 2025 at the Kesling Funeral Chapel in Mobridge.
Rodney passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025, at his home in rural Kenel. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was in charge of arrangements.
Rodney “RJ” Yellow Fat was born in Fort Yates, ND on November 15, 1957 to Raymond and Dorothy (Demery) Yellow Fat. He was one of six siblings including Terry, Annette, Irma, Darlene, and Cordell. He grew up in Old Kenel as well as Promise at the Gene and Irene Ryan Ranch. He spent his primary school years attending Mobridge and St. Joseph Indian School where he graduated from 8th grade in May of 1972. RJ started high school at Fort Yates High School and ended up graduating from Timber Lake High School in 1976. RJ worked various jobs but spent the majority of his career working for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe until his retirement.
He met his soul mate, Glenna LeBeau, in January of 1977 and they were married on August 6, 1988 in rural Promise at the Delmas Traversie residence. They had four children— Starla, James, Samantha, and Jonathan, and Hunka daughter Jersie Thompson.
As a young man, RJ was a Cub Scout, a member of 4-H Club, and rode bulls at Little Britches Rodeo. When he lived at the Gene Ryan Ranch, he would relay race for Gib LeBeau. He enjoyed riding motorcycle and in his early 20’s, he was a cofounder of the High Plains Drifters, a motorcycle club which later became known as Lakota Bros.
RJ was a very sociable man who enjoyed going to the casinos, visiting with his many acquaintances and friends, and watching the Minnesota Vikings and UFC with his Yellow Fat crew. As a father, RJ was an active parent and was involved in attending his children’s school and athletic activities. He loved being outside and during his 26 years living at his Kenel residence, he planted numerous trees. RJ and Glenna then moved out to rural Kenel to enjoy his retirement where he continued to maintain his yard. He also gave his time taking care of the community, maintaining the community playground and cemetery.
RJ is survived by his wife, Glenna; his children Starla Yellow Fat, James Yellow Fat, Samantha (Trent) Prentice, Jonathan Yellow Fat, and Hunka daughter Jersie Thompson; grandchildren Jaden (Bo) Wells, Thor Yellow Fat, Mathias Yellow Fat, Laila Yellow Fat, Jreyden Racine, Arya Yellow Fat, Sansa Yellow Fat, and Keida and Hakoda Prentice; great-grandchildren Salem and Noel Wells; his siblings Terry (Gayleen) Yellow Fat, Annette Yellow Fat, Irma (Todd) Walking Elk, and Cordell (Judi) Yellow Fat.
RJ is preceded in death by grandparents James and Mary Yellow Fat and Robert and Mary Demery; father and mother Raymond and Dorothy Yellow Fat; sister Darlene Yellow Fat; uncle LD Demery; aunts Loretta Crow Feather and Marcella Demery; nephews Corey Yellow Fat, Charles Dog Eagle, Dusty Walking Elk, CJ and Joe Paul Yellow Fat; nieces Lesley Rae Demery and Allison Martin; in-laws Homer and Dora LeBeau; brothers-in-law Stewart and Doyce LeBeau; and grandson Lennick Mike.