Daryl Gourneau, age 57, of Belcourt, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Daryl Todd "Dumby" Gourneau was born on August 16, 1968, in Belcourt, North Dakota, to Vernon Gourneau Sr. and Karen (Morin) Gourneau. He was raised in Belcourt and graduated from Belcourt High School.

After graduation, Daryl worked as a welder at the local manufacturing plant before beginning a career with Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman. He later returned home to serve his community and began a long career in law enforcement. Daryl proudly served as a police officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for many years. He later worked in security for the Indian Health Service before returning to the police department as a correctional officer, where he remained until his retirement. Throughout his career, he was respected for his dedication, service, and commitment to protecting others.

Daryl was the proud father of four children: Ciera, Macy, Jonathan, and Tanner. He loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Daryl had a wonderful sense of humor and was always joking with family and friends. Known by many nicknames throughout his life, family and friends affectionately called him "Dumby," "Spanky," and "Spider-Man," while his fellow officers at the police department often referred to him as the "Big Kid." His quick wit, laughter, and storytelling will be remembered by all who knew him.

Recently, Daryl shared that when he met the Lord, the first question he planned to ask was, "Is Sasquatch real?" That was classic Daryl—always curious and always able to make people smile.

Daryl loved deer hunting and was passionate about spending time in the woods. Family and friends often teased him by saying, "If deer ran backwards, he'd be a championship shooter." Daryl would laugh right along with them and often share the joke himself.

One of Daryl's favorite adventures was a trip to Arizona with his brother, sister, daughter Macy, and niece Sabra. What started as a road trip quickly turned into a memorable story when they found themselves deep in the desert surrounded by wild mustangs kicking at the U-Haul they were driving. Later, they emerged onto a plateau overlooking a steep drop to a river below. The experience left Daryl laughing and crying at the same time, creating a memory that became a favorite family story for years to come.

Another family memory came during Daryl's flight home from Arizona. While seated with his brother Kelan, a flight attendant asked Kelan if he would like to move over to give his "dad" more room. The comment sent everyone into laughter and became another story Daryl loved to tell.

Daryl will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Karen Gourneau.

He is survived by his children, Ciera, Macy, Jonathan, and Tanner; his siblings, Dean Gourneau, Vernon Gourneau Jr., Lori Gourneau, and Kelan (Twila) Gourneau; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.

Casket Bearers are Breyton Gourneau, Ashton Gourneau, Bob Parisien, Paul Bercier, Carl Bercier, and Travis Laducer.

Honorary Bearers are all family and friends.

Music will be provided by Richard Turcotte and Joe Parisien.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt, North Dakota, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM and a Rosary Service at Noon prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Belcourt.

Father Michael Slovak, SOLT, will preside.

Arrangements are with Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, North Dakota.