Michael LaForge

Michael LaForge Jr., 47, passed away on April 10, 2026, in Billings, Montana. He was born on May 28, 1978, in Billings, Montana, to Noreen Hutchinson and the late Michael LaForge Sr.

Michael was known for his strong spirit, warm heart, and deep love for his family. He had a deep passion for basketball and dreamed of one day coaching his son Judah, sharing his love of the game and teaching them teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved, sharing laughter, telling stories, and creating memories that will be cherished forever. Mike holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and has built a career dedicated to serving and educating his community. He began his professional path with the Crow Tribe as a procurement officer and later advanced to director of procurement . His work in education includes serving as a Head Start teacher, working as a teacher’s aide for Crow Public Schools, and supporting students in special education with Hardin’s kindergarten readiness program. He continued his commitment to education as a special education teacher with Lodge Grass Public Schools and later as a math teacher at St. Charles Academy. Those who knew Michael will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend who always showed kindness, strength, and compassion to others. His presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and he will be remembered for his dedication to his family and the love he freely gave.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janelle LaForge; his children Jasmine, Deja, Destiny, Marcus, Selah, Judah, Jordynn, Serenity LaForge, Manasseh and Israel Davies; his mother, Noreen LaForge; his siblings Mitchell (Cody), Armondo, Red Star (Averyanna) LaForge, and Mitchelline (Jr) LaForge Bear; as well as his cherished grandchildren Mateo Azriel Begay, Paizley Grey and Owen Mitchell Pretty On Top and one on the way May’zon Lonsdale. Sisters he grew up with at Grandma Leona’s Quanna and Luanna. Extended family members aunts Sherry, Sharon, Cheryl Rides Horse, Emma (Owen) Richardson, Beldine Plain Feather, Theda Medicine Horse, Lois Marie Rides Horse, Tina (Elliot) Red Star, Earlene (Cletus) Cole, Maglene and Kaneeta Asencio, Junetta, Judy, Jennifer Jefferson, Rebecka Stoval, Beldine, Betty, Jan LaForge, Clara LaForge Joe, Patsy Yellowtail. Uncles Bryan (Melanie) Hutchinson, Ryan and Benjamin (Melanie) Asencio, Mark (Guena) Spotted Horse, James Stewart, Stan (Melvette) and Stanley (Sarah) Rides Horse, Gilbert LaForge Jr. Bouyer LaForge Sr., Tommy Dawes. Grandmothers Theodoris RedStar Asencio, Ardith Old Crane Hogan, Dorothy Spotted Bear, Shirleen Glenn, and Mary Louise LaForge. Grandfathers Sealmer RedStar, Levi Beartusk Sr., Rueben (Annette) Beartusk Jr.  He was also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael LaForge Sr., Paternal grandparents Leona Rides Horse and Mitchell LaForge, grand fathers Reuben Beartusk Sr, Max Asencio, Grandmother Alvina Old Crane Beartusk. Aunts Susan Rides Horse, Faye Medicine Horse. Uncles Stanford Rides Horse. 

Michael’s life was a blessing to all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever. His legacy of love, strength, and family devotion will live on through all those whose lives he touched.

Extended family include LaForge, Jefferson, Hunts the Arrow, Stray Calf, Carpenter, Old Crane, Red Star, Rides Horse, Top Sky.

Our family is large, please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention you in our time of grief. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Four Square Church in Crow Agency. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.

“Forever loved, forever remembered.”