Robert “Bob” Desjarlais, Jr., age 68, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at SMP-St. Kateri Hospital, Rolla, ND. He was born on March 25, 1958 in Belcourt, ND to Robert Desjarlais Sr. and (Rita) Joann (Malaterre) Desjarlais.

Bob was once married to Kathy Keegan, and together they were blessed with two children, Haley (Shawn) Rosaasen of Grand Forks, ND and Nicholas Desjarlais of Grand Forks, ND. They later divorced. He also had a daughter, Rochanda Poitra of Fargo, ND. Bob adored his three grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them.

Bob is survived by his mother, (Rita) Joann (Malaterre) Desjarlais of Belcourt, ND; his sister, Jolene (Victor) Munoz of Occoquan, VA; his brothers, Lyndon (Emily) Desjarlais of Belcourt, ND, and Jeffery (Renee) Desjarlais Sr. of Belcourt, ND; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Desjarlais Sr.; his sister, Jacqueline; his infant brother, Randel; his niece, Cassandra Munoz; his maternal grandparents, Gregory and Alice Malaterre and his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Lillian Desjarlais; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Bob was the first grandchild of his maternal grandparents. His Mushroom used to prefer to him as “Bobskar.” He enjoyed his time spent with them including his aunts and uncle “Coshish.” Bob as a devout Catholic and prayed the rosary daily. He also taught religion classes in Rolla, ND in which he took great pride. He was also an avid reader and often read the Bible for his great passion for the Lord our God.

Bob attended the Belcourt School System K-12. He graduated from Turtle Mountain Community High School in May of 1976. He also attended St. Michael Catholic Elementary School in Grand Forks, ND for one year where he learned to be an altar boy and serve Mass. Shortly after high school graduation Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Bob proudly served his country as a US Marine from 1976-1980. At the end of his service, he was a Corporal. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Rife Marksman Badge. His service was a profound part of his life, and he carried his service with great distinction, while serving his country through the military motto “Duty, Honor, Country.” While in the Marines, Bob was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, Twenty-Nine Palms, California, The Panama Canal, Korea, and Okinawa Japan. Bob’s favorite assignment was the Okinawa, Japan, which he spoke of often.

After his military career Bob attended Mayville State University, the University of North Dakota, and Turtle Mountain Community College where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree. Bob worked in several different areas of employment; such as the Turtle Mountain Housing, Turtle Mountain Tribe, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Unitah Company, as a land surveyor during the oil boom and in the farming industry.

Bob was a talented individual; he was a skilled craftsman who had a passion for building and creating things with his hands. Bob’s passion for carpentry and masonry work was always done with great pride. Bob was instrumental at helping his father help run the family-owned lumberyard business (Desjarlais Enterprise). With Bob’s expertise in identifying the proper lumber requirements that a customer needed to construct a building requirement. Bob was an outdoorsman who loved big game hunting, fishing, and wildlife hunting (Bob was proud when he gamed a moose). Bob was also an avid sportsman, who enjoyed many sporting activities such as wrestling, football, baseball, and golf. Throughout Bob’s high school years, he participated in wrestling and football. His favorite football team was the Minnesota Vikings. Bob would never forget the good old days, he loved watching ME-TV to get reacquainted with some of his favorite classics such as Mash, The Ady Griffith Show, Three Stooges, Gunsmoke, and many other shows. Bob also loved the history channel, to gain more knowledge on historical documentaries.

Bob will be remembered for the life he built, the people he loved, his service to his country, and the many memories he leaves behind with his family. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, mother, siblings, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. John, ND with Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. John, ND. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Father Richard Fineo presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.