DONALD J. "SONNY" BELGARDE JR.

Donald J. “Sonny” Belgarde Jr., 40 of rural St. Michael, ND began his journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, June 23, 2012. He died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident at rural Tokio, ND. The Wake for Sonny will be held at St. Michael Recreation Center, St. Michael, North Dakota on Wednesday, June 27th (today) beginning at 5:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Recreation Center will leave from Devils Heart Road on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. He will be brought to St. Michael’s by wagon and team of horses and other riders. The Funeral Service for Sonny will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Moen officiating and Sonny will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Serving as Casket Bearers for Sonny will be Lane Adams Sr., Larse Azure, Joey Lacroix, Scotty Leben, Robert “Kojak” Thompson, Chris Bustos Sr., Barry Geske and Harry Wolters. Honorary Bearers will be Jason LaRock, Ed LaVallie, Darren Peltier, Michael Belgarde, Todd Belgarde, Danny Leben, Randy Leben, Roger Baker, Corey Estenson, Craig Estenson, Paul Kraft, Philip “Scooter” Lohnes, Kenny “Apeman” Lohnes, Shannon Dugdale, Pat Lawrence, Johnnie Gaking, Jody Gaking, Desmond Driver, Nanette Forest, Perry Cavanaugh, Joey Greene, Robert “Bushy” Lohnes, Reba Hegg, Kelly Brown, Joseph “Cowboy” Lawrence, Cliff Reeves and Sioux Manufacturing Co-Workers. Donald James Belgarde Jr. was born on December 15, 1971 in Devils Lake, ND the loving son of Janice Mae (Adams) and Donald Belgarde Sr. He grew up on the Spirit Lake Reservation where he graduated from Four Winds High School with the class of 1990. As a long distance cross country runner he was the recipient of many awards and special achievements and this allowed him to travel the world as a runner. In 1983 he also achieved a Silver Gloves National Championship. Throughout the years, Sonny has worked in several different places at various jobs some of these including positions in Fargo, at the Spirit Lake Casino and he ended his career with Sioux Manufacturing Corporation, working there for the last 4 years. Sonny enjoyed working on his vehicles, outdoor activities, cooking, attending WeFest, riding his motorcycle and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his “kids”. We can’t imagine our life without Sonny and he will be forever in our thoughts, our prayers and our hearts. Sonny is survived by his father, Donald Belgarde Sr.; kids, Miranda Belgarde, Braxton Luger, Sunnie Dawn Belgarde, Eric Belgarde and Sherrlynn Cloud; two brothers, Jamie Belgarde and Jeremy Belgarde; eight sisters, Dondra, Michelle, Jenelle, Tammy, Linda, Sherri, Angie and Heather; special niece, Dawn Adams; godmother, Lily Owlboy and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother Janice Belgarde and auntie Shirley Belgarde and his grandparents.