Melvin James Nadeau Sr., age 59, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at his home in Belcourt, ND.

Melvin James Nadeau Sr. was born on July 30th, 1965 in Belcourt, ND to Joan and Dennis H. Belgarde.  He was raised in Belcourt and graduated from Belcourt High School.  He furthered his education at Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt for one year.  Melvin was united in marriage to Sheila Bruce on April 26th, 1988 in Belcourt, ND.  They renewed their vows on September 26th, 1998. Together they raised seven children, Lacy, Wrangler, Amber, Brittany, Kristine, Ariel, and Melvin Jr. Melvin was employed in many places throughout his years. Everyone knew Melvin as a doorman/bouncer at Horseman's Bar and a bus driver for North Dunseith and Belcourt Headstart. He also worked at the manufacturing plant for a period of time along with fighting fires. He worked at other places as well, but Melvin was a jack of all trades where he had various places of employment. He enjoyed being in the outdoors doing various activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, canning, in the hayfield, working on the farm with his cattle and chickens. Melvin was a hard worker, often processing and preparing meals for family.  He liked going on rides to "town" with his wife, especially on "traveling Tuesday's," not sure where they would end up when the day was over. Melvin also enjoyed pushing buttons at the casino, playing pinochle and bingo with quarters, where he loved to be regifted the gifts he gave his children, aka money given to children for Christmas.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, joking with those around him.  Melvin loved spending time with his children and grandchildren doing family cookouts and holidays, along with all family and friends.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Melvin is survived by his children, Amber (Raymond) Houle of Bismarck, Brittany (Todd Desjarlais) Nadeau of Belcourt, Kristine (Brandon Azure) Nadeau of Belcourt, Ariel (Clifton) Vivier of Belcourt, Wrangler (Jerrica) Nadeau of Belcourt, and Melvin Jr. (Katelyn Omen) Nadeau of Spirit Lake; 19 grandchildren – Julian, DaMarion, Zohe, Elijah, Jensen, Jocelyn, Paula, Destin, Harlynn, Jayden, Zayden, Landyn, Tyler, Darwin, Brody, Zyler, Zander, Amara and Maizlee; one great grandchild; siblings, Emil Nadeau of Belcourt, Emily (Lyndon) Desjarlais of Belcourt, Rachel Lindgren of Belcourt, Nicole (Brandon) Mathiason of Michigan, RaeLynn (Dale) Belgarde of Belcourt, Tim (Lacey) Decoteau of Belcourt, and Gene (Michelle) Decoteau of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Sheila Nadeau, daughter Lacy Nadeau, his parents Joan and Dennis Belgarde, in-laws Velma and Gene Bruce Sr., brother-in-law, Jesse Short, and many family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 7th, 2024 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND. Meal to follow services at Fiddlers Hall. Burial will take place in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND at a later date.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.