Tad Counts, age 39, of Dunseith, ND passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, ND.

Tad Joseph Counts was born on April 10, 1985 in Belcourt, ND to Clyde St. Claire and Juanita "Timmie" Counts.  He completed his education in Devils Lake and furthered his education at United Tribes College for welding.  Tad was united in marriage to Jennifer LaRocque.  He was the proud father of seven children, MacKenna, Mason, Desylva, Tad Jr., Sunshine, Chance, and Aurora.  He worked many jobs including building grain bins out of Devils Lake, roofing with his uncle Alvin Counts, at Old Dominion, and surveillance for Grand Treasure Casino in Trenton.  Tad loved time spent with his family members, his wife, children, mother, father, grandmother, siblings, and many friends, including Brandon Burdick, Rick Koeplin, and Leigh Houle.  He enjoyed football, playing in high school and later cheering on his favorite team the Jacksonville Jaguars, attending a game with friends.  Tad enjoyed cooking and grilling, making a great lasagna that was enjoyed by all.  He liked watching horse racing as well.  Tad will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.

Tad is survived by his wife, Jennifer Counts of Williston; children, MacKenna Martinez of TX, Mason (JoZee) Delorme of Fargo, Desylva Counts of Dunseith, Tad "Owen" Counts Jr. of Fargo, Sunshine Counts of Fargo, Chance Counts of Dunseith, and Aurora Counts of Williston; father, Clyde St. Claire of Newtown; mother, Juanita Counts of Dunseith; grandmother, Mary "Granny" Jetty of Dunseith; brother, Raymond Azure of Dunseith; step-sisters, Nicole Azure and Rachelle Roy, both of Dunseith; and nieces and nephews.

Tad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence Jetty and Warren "Buzzy" Counts.

A gathering and meal will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Eagle Heart Cultural Center (Log Cabin) Dunseith, ND.  All are welcome to attend in Tad's honor.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.