David John Cournoyer

David John Cournoyer, age 61, began his journey to the spirit world on November 7, 2025 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

David was born on February 15, 1964 to David Branchaud and Viola Cournoyer in Red Lake, MN. He grew up in Bemidji, then moved to Redby. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1982. David worked for the DNR Forestry in Red Lake for over 30 years. He traveled all over the country to fight wildfires.  He would dance for powwows all summer long. He took 1st in Sidestep.  All enjoyed watching him dance; he exuded joy!   He would dance at all the wakes and funerals to honor those who couldn’t any longer.  David was loved and was devoted to his wife, Valerie. David was an avid participant in all designated walks and runs sponsored by the various programs on the reservation. He loved his grandkids and being a grandpa.  He had a contagious laugh and he loved to watch sports, especially football and the Vikings!

David is survived by his wife, Valerie; children: Davene Parker, Iris Parker (Ryan Smith) and David Cournoyer Jr,; 11 grandchildren; siblings: Jean Donnell (Herman), Rose Cournoyer, John Cournoyer (Patti), Debra Cournoyer, Darrell Cournoyer, Roger Strong, Marlys (Marvin) Cournoyer and Ron Cournoyer (Patty); aunts: Ethel Branchaud, Sue Antone, Sylvia Branchaud, Sandy Miller and Beverly Bailey (Richard); uncle: Eugene “Jiggy” Strong, Greg Branchaud and William (Margaret) Branchaud Sr; 3 stepchildren: Jonathon Strong, Michael Strong and Jessica Strong; 3 step-siblings: Arnold Maxwell, Doreen Sherman and Michelle Sherman; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by the mother of his children: Laurie Parker; his parents, David Branchaud and Viola Cournoyer; maternal grandparents: John and Josie Strong; paternal grandparents: Tippy and Kicken Branchaud; aunts: Patsy Rudolph, Bernice Jourdain and Judy Brummond; uncles: Mike Branchaud, Larry Branchaud, Lee Cook, Fabian “Bunky” Strong and Robert “Bobby” Strong; nephews: Brian Cournoyer, Rodney Cournoyer, Roger Strong Jr, Clint Donnell Jr and Dion Thunder; niece: Brandi Strong; 3 stepsons: Frank Strong Jr, Joseph Strong and Theodore Strong.                   .

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Redby Community Center and will continue until the service at 2 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Active Pallbearers will be Johnathon Strong, Jeff Spears Sr, Justin Donnell, Douglas Colhoff Jr, Gilbert Juarez, Justin Auginash Sr. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Cournoyer, Darrell Cournoyer, Roger Strong, Ronald Cournoyer, Herman Donnell, Marvin Stone, Annette Brown, Sandy Brown, Darwin Sumner, Harlan & Angie Strong, Joyce Strong and the Red Lake DNR/Forestry Program Co-workers. Burial will be at the Episcopal Cemetery in Red Lake, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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