Dwan M. Belgarde-Whiteowl

Dwan Michelle Belgarde-White Owl, age 42, passed away on June 12, 2023. Dwan was born on July 14, 1980, in Grafton, ND. Dwan is the eldest of 6 siblings. Her adolescent years growing up were spent in Grafton, ND; Grand Forks, ND; and Thief River, MN. Dwan obtained her GED at the age of 20 and would go on to attend college courses at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Although college was a lovely step in Dwan’s career, Dwan completed table gaming classes in 2004, and she would be a table game dealer for the majority of her working career.

Dwan was a beautiful and kindhearted soul. She was a loving, caring, devoted mother and grandmother to her only grandbaby, Avery WarPaint. She was a sister, daughter, auntie, mother, grandma, and friend. Dwan had a sense of humor like no other. She was always the center of the room, humoring and making everyone laugh. Dwan’s laugh was contagious, infectious, and uplifting. Dwan had ups and downs but never let it interfere with her family. She loved her family deeply.

Dwan was very creative and had a beautiful artistic ability. Dwan made dream catchers, God’s eyes, and Native American jewelry. Dwan found great pride in being Indigenous and loved her culture and traditional ways.

Dwan is survived by two daughters, Danitra Sage WarPaint and Jade Defreece. Her grandson Avery WarPaint; her mother and father, Denise and Thomas Belgarde; four sisters, McKay, Shelly, Charla, and Karla Belgarde; two brothers, McKenzie, and Ross Belgarde; many nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and all those she loved and touched deeply.

Dwan is preceded in death by Lawrence and Marvine Cheauma, Louis & Betty Belgarde, Linda, Kenny and Dennis Belgarde, and Helen & Harry Cheauma. Marvin, Ardith, Shirley, Joseph, Milan, Kenneth, Geraldine Painte.

The wake will be held from 7-11 PM on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Fiddler’s Hall, BIA Rd 12, Belcourt, ND 58316. Services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Burial will be immediately after the service with the meal to follow.  The Drum Group will be Eagle Nation and music will be provided by Richard Davis and Jeff Laducer. Honorary Paul Bearers will be: Randy Norris, Kelly Jo Thunder, Shannon Little Dog, Angelita Cloud, Amber Neadeau, Nucona Neadeau and Kristina Ray. Active Paul Bearers will be: Maliki WarPaint, Dillion Belgarde, Tristin Belgarde, Elijah Belgarde, Talent Belgarde, Adrian Belgarde, Jordan WarPaint. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

ANNE LINDGREN DAVISON'S ORIGINAL POEM

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