Roger Williams

Roger Williams
Kookoosh-Gchi Noodin
Roger began his journey to the spirit world in his home in Dowagiac, MI at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Édawat Village on July 24, 2023 at the age of 82.
Roger was survived by his wife Karen Williams of Grand Rapids, MI. His children: Benjamin Williams (Sara Ybema) of the Occupied Territory of Grand Rapids MI, Rebecca Williams (Jarad Medukas) of Buchanan MI, Jennifer Marcussen (Nels) General Occupied Territory of MI. Siblings: Faye Magnuson of Dowagiac MI, Ruth Saldivar of Buchanan MI, Judy Richardson (Mark) of San Diego, CA, Linda Johnson of South Bend IN. Grandchildren: Theo Williams, Mahina Williams, Minerva Williams, Bernadette Williams, Sylvia Medukas, Nick Medukas, Zoe Loonsfoot, Gabriel Loonsfoot, Jasmine Rangel, and Glenn Smith. Roger is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and others that know him as uncle or grandpa.
Roger was born on August 6, 1940 in Holland, MI to Frank and Goldie Williams. Roger graduated from Holland High School and continued his education at Western Michigan University.
Roger proudly served in the US Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis from 1957-1967. He spoke fondly of his service in the medical facilities, and especially enjoyed his time stationed in Paris. After serving in the military, Roger began his career at the State of MI in Grand Rapids, where he worked tirelessly as an outreach worker in the Greater Grand Rapids Native Community. Continuing his career, Roger served as the Director of Social Services at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of MI and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
No stranger to the stage, Roger enjoyed his many theatrical performances in Paris, including the production "Harvey". With his passion for stories and an appreciation for the military, Roger inspired the documentary "The Road to Andersonville: The Story of Company K", as the associate producer.
Leaving many legacies, Roger was a proud and active member of the Midewiwin Mide Widjig, and his Tribe, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He took great pride in being a founding member of the Ogichidaw Warrior Society of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Mt. Pleasant MI, the Matche-Benashi-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians, and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. As an active member of the Michigan Democratic Party, Roger was often seen and heard advocating for progressive changes, both locally and statewide. He was also very active in his Tribal Communities in Holland, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Dowagiac, Michigan.
It has been noted by many how speedy Roger was when he walked, surpassing even the mighty cheetah. It has also been speculated that Roger fought back in the battle of Little Big Horn, and heard saying "Aho, Young Warrior."
Family and Community gather this week not just because we love him, but because he loves us all.
Service details:
Sacred Fire now-Thur. July 27
History and Culture Lodge
Viewing Wed July 26, at 6:00pm
History and Culture Lodge
59291 Indian Lake Rd
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Funeral Services Thur. July 27, at 11:00am
History and Culture Lodge
59291 Indian Lake Rd
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Community Meal Thur. July 27, immediately following Services
Rodgers Lake Campground
58620 Sink Rd
Dowagiac,MI
Burial Fri. July 28, at 10:00am
Riverside Cemetery
3591 47th St Hamilton, MI
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to an organization near and dear to Roger.
The Tin Shop Theatre
P.O. Box 515
Buchanan, MI 49107
www.tinshoptheatre.org