David Dauphinais, age 75, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at his home.

David was born August 5, 1947 at Belcourt to Roy and Saraphine (DeCoteau) Dauphinais.  He passed into the Spirit World on August 14, 2022 at his home. Dave lived most of his life at Belcourt, but did live in Grand Forks as a young man. He spent most of his school years in boarding schools at Chamberlain, SD (elementary) and at Marty, SD where he graduated from high school in 1966. Dave maintained a friendship with his Marty friends and was one of the regulars at the Marty Reunions.

Dave married Marlene Peltier on June 17, 1996 at Anishinaubeg and they had their marriage blessed September 19, 2009 at St. Anthony's, Belcourt. His children are April (Mike), Corryn (Craig), Terry; his stepchildren are Cynthia, Penny, Kim and Zeke. He had numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dave served in the US Army and saw action in Vietnam where he earned a silver star and three bronze stars. He was a sergeant and was made section chief soon thereafter. He was proud that every man assigned to his artillery battery came out alive and was awarded the silver star.  It was in one of those attacks that he saved the lives of his men. As explosions surrounded them, he earned his bronze stars for running through the gun battle to put out a fire that had started in the ammunition bunker that housed the artillery they needed to continue the fight. In recognition for his valiant service, in 2021 he was the Native American veteran selected to be placed in the North Dakota Native American Hall of Fame.  He often mentioned that he knew it was a great honor because Sitting Bull was inducted at the same time! He was given special recognition at the 2022 Marty Reunion where the leader of the veteran's ceremony commented that it was something to earn a bronze star and Dave earned three. He also commented that soldiers who earned the silver star usually didn't come out of the battle alive. Dave commented, "I came home without a scratch."

Dave was a hard-working man. When he lived in Washington, he worked at a water plant and picked fruit. He also worked in the field of building construction on the reservation and throughout the state during his lifetime. He also worked at Turtle Mountain high school as a teacher aid. Had he not been drafted into the military as a young man, his career might have been different as he was recruited by the Denver Broncos to play football. He spent about a month in football training camp prior to the call from the Army.

Dave was proud of his family and was always willing to help them when he could. He is survived by his wife Marlene, children and stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings: Leona (Harold) Sword, Larry Dauphinais, Jerry (Rose) Dauphinais.

Preceding him in death were his parents, siblings: Tommy Dauphinais, Roy (Chick) Dauphinais, Jr. sisters Joyce Abeita, Dorothy Allery and Betty Ward; step-granddaughter Tiffany Amyotte.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to Noon on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow funeral services at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.