Donald J. Belgarde Sr.

Donald J. Belgarde Sr., “ Waniyetu Ota Sunka Wakan Wicasa” (Long Time Rider) began his journey on earth on April 9, 1943 and began his journey to the Spirit World on Monday, February 1, 2016 at his home in the loving care of his family, friends and Altru Hospice. Wake Services for Donnie will be held at the Four Winds High School, Fort Totten, ND on Friday, February 5, 2016 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The procession to Fort Totten will leave from 4 corners, rural St. Michael, ND at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Donnie will be brought to Fort Totten by a team of horses and buggy and accompanied by fellow riders and family. The Funeral Service for Donnie will be held on Saturday, February 6th beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Four Winds and will conclude with burial and military honors at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547. Donnie was born on April 9, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND to Peter Belgarde Sr. and Mary Jane (Grandbois) Thompson. Donnie was raised on the Spirit Lake Reservation and attended school at the Wahpeton Indian School and Maddock School. In his younger years he involved himself in snowmobile races and car races. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. During this time he was a Golden Gloves Champion and was a two-time North Dakota Tough Man Champion. He also was a Spirit Lake Youth boxing coach. Donnie has always been involved in the Rodeo Circuit with his brothers. He also worked as a mechanic with different construction companies and in his later years he worked as a custodian at Four Winds School for many years. Donnie got involved with Big Foot and Unity Rides and Dakota 38 Spiritual Rides to pray for the youth and children to keep the tradition alive. Throughout the years he’s become family with many people throughout Indian Country. He always used laughter and teasing as a medicine. He lifted many people’s spirits up and touched many people’s hearts. He was always known as an Indian Cowboy. Donnie’s immediate family include his sons Jamie Belgarde, St. Michael and Jeremy Belgarde (Karen Olson), Devils Lake; daughters Dondra Winkler, Spokane, WA, Sheridan (Joe) McNeil, Fort Yates, ND, Linda Adams, Angela Belgarde, Heather Belgarde and Michelle Thomas all of St. Michael; many grandchildren and several great grandchildren and special granddaughter Dawn Adams, St. Michael; adopted children Cassandra McDonald and Damien Blackbird both of St. Michael and Helena Maza Wasicuna, Sioux Valley, Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his wife Janice Belgarde (Adams) and son Donald Belgarde Jr. Casket Bearers for Donnie will be Seth Eastman, Darwin Strong, Travis Maza, Tuffy First, Gerald Zephier and Garret White. Honorary Bearers are Dakota 38 +2 Riders, Unity Riders, Big Foot Riders, Cancer Survivors and White House Café Staff.