Clayton M. Belgarde age 62 of Dunseith passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at a Grand Forks hospital.  His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Visitation will also be on Tuesday starting at 10:00 am with a Rosary at 1:00 pm at the church.  Burial will be at the Belgarde Family plot at St. Mary's Cemetery,

Clayton was born June 21, 1961 in Belcourt, ND to Cecelia (Vallie) & Alfred Belgarde.  He was the 6th child of 12 children.  He attended school at Dunseith and graduated in 1979.  Clayton attended school mastering in plumbing & sheet metal in Jackson, Minnesota.  He was employed by MDU of Williston, ND for six years and San Haven for two years.  He then went on to further his education at Minot State University and Concordia College at Moorhead, MN where he completed his Bachelor's Degree.  He went on to earn his Master's degree in Hospital Administration at University of Minnesota.  He then became employed by IHS as a commissioned officer and eventually retired that position in 2019.  He continued his employment at Bureau of Indian Affairs in Aberdeen, SD until present.

In 1983 he met the love of his life, Donna Azure.  They later joined in marriage on July 6, 1984.  Together they raised two beautiful children, Christina & Christopher Strong and were blessed with five grandchildren and one great grandson.  Clayton was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and brother to his whole family.

Clayton enjoyed traveling & playing at various casinos, spending time with his children and grandchildren, hunting & harvesting his game, fishing, watching football, and snowmobiling.

Clayton is survived by his wife; Donna, his mom; Cecelia, children; Christina Strong, Christopher (Sheena) Strong, 5 grandchildren; Dalton Poitra (McKailyn), Drayton Poitra (Kailey), Rozalind Strong (Chad), Mercedez Strong, and Remington Strong, and 1 great grandchild Harlan.  5 bothers; Allen (Marian), Randy, Alfred, David, and Tony (Ruth), 4 sisters, Irene, Berni, Cheryl, and Gloria and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clayton is proceeded in death by his Father, Alfred Belgarde, In-laws Frank & Agnes Azure, Brother Michael Belgarde and sister Tracy Belgarde and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.