Daniel Jerome, age 94, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at his home.

Daniel Fred Jerome was born on January 13, 1930 in Belcourt, ND to Ferdinand and Emily (LaFromboise) Jerome. He was raised in Belcourt and completed his education at St. Ann's and attended Haskell. He joined the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. Daniel furthered his education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks receiving his bachelor's degree and then North Dakota State University in Fargo obtaining a master's degree. Daniel was united in marriage to Jean Thompson and together they had five children, Owen, Allison, Jonathan, David, and Monica. They later divorced. Daniel was also father to Karen (Nelson) Schaefer. He then married Bridget Brochin on June 1, 1976 in Winnipeg, MB, celebrating 47 years of marriage. Daniel taught off the reservation for five years before returning to Belcourt, becoming the first superintendent on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, a position he held for 21 years. After retiring in the 1990's, Daniel became the first Native American in the North Dakota State Senate. Daniel was a strong practicing Roman Catholic and was devoted to praying the rosary daily. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Bridget Jerome of Belcourt; children, Owen Jerome of Belcourt, Allison Jerome of Worcester, MA, Jonathan Jerome of Worcester, MA, Monica Jerome of Belcourt, and Karen (Mark) Schaefer of Great Falls, MT; nine grandchildren, Christian, Ryann, Kish, Ashley, Netah, Amanda, Jesse, Josh, and Holden; siblings, Julia Burcham of Belcourt, Agnes Azure of Belcourt, and Dwain (Dellia) Jerome of Belcourt; and nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, son, David Jerome, and siblings, Joseph Jerome, Bucky Jerome, Russell Jerome, Cecelia "Fee" St. Germaine, Addie Brunelle, Estelle Dauphinais, and Eve Jerome.

Casket Bearers are Gerald Davis, Leonard Hosie, Larry Azure, Nick Azure, Terry Jerome, and Derrick Dixon. The reader is Peggy Keplin. Eucharistic Gifts by Gary and Sandy Thomas. Rosary led by siblings Julia Burcham, Agnes Azure, Dwain Jerome and niece Denise Marcellais. Music by BI Marcellais. Military Honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt and the ND Funeral Honor Guard of Grand Forks. Eulogy given by Owen Jerome.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass. Father Michael Slovak presiding. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

God's finger touched him and he slipped away From earth's dark shadows to a brighter day; God saw the road was getting rough, The hills were hard to climb; He gently closed his weary eyes, And whispered, "Peace be thine." To a beautiful garden this friend has gone, To a land of perfect rest; Though he is gone he still lives on In the garden of memory.