Ruben Marcellais

Ruben Randolph Marcellais, age 60, of Mandan, ND was called to his heavenly home on October 19, 2025. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and under Sanford Hospice Care. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Ruben’s life will be held Monday, October 27th at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Belcourt, ND with Father Samuel Medley presiding. Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM and the Rosary at 9:00 AM prior to the memorial mass. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.

Ruben was born November 18, 1964, the youngest and spoiled child of Peter F. and Viola R. (Parisien) Marcellais.

He attended Belcourt elementary school for a few years, and his mother moved the family to Bismarck in 1973. He attended Theodore Jameson and Richolt elementary schools, Wachter Middle School, and then Bismarck High School, graduating in 1983. While attending Bismarck High School, he participated in football, track and basketball. It was during his senior year that the Bismarck Tribune highlighted his basketball skills in the article, “That old Marcellais magic works again” (March 11, 1983). Ruben also attended Dickinson State College.

Ruben moved back to Belcourt for a brief time and met JoAnne Blue. They moved to Grand Forks where their son, Landon was born, joining older sister, Sheanoa. Ruben and JoAnne were married but later divorced. He then married Misty (Smith) Martinez in 2010, and his family grew to include stepchildren Tylor, Kristian “Chango” and Khylee. Ruben and Misty later divorced. In 2016, he met Shauna (Trottier) Belgarde, and was very close to her children, Atlantis, Brock and Hunter. Shauna remained his loving companion up to his death.

In 1987, Ruben joined his brother’s band--“Roland Country Band” as the bass player. It was that summer they performed at WE Fest’s Heaven in ’87. Over the years, the band became well known throughout the upper Midwest, and in 2017, they were honored at the 7th Annual Old Fashion Country Jamboree in Belcourt.

Ruben had a great sense of humor and was known for his storytelling. His laughter was contagious and lightened the lives of many. He had a generous heart, helping many friends in their time of need, and he was grateful for those friends who helped him as well.

As a very skilled carpenter, Ruben had a long career working as a journeyman carpenter and foreman. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 1091 until his retirement, due to disabilities.

Ruben is survived by his son, Landon; stepchildren Sheanoa, Tylor, Khylee, Atlantis and Hunter; granddaughters Keya, Lily, Layson, Lykin and Aislee; step-grandchildren Kristian, Kage, Kora, Avery, Paizly, Nasia and Royland; brothers Roland (Shelly DuBois) and William “BI” (Denise) of Belcourt; Peter (Jolli) and Clayton (Sandy) of Mandan; sisters Roxana (Robert Gayton) of Bismarck, Loretta of Belcourt, and Marcella of Mandan; his companion Shauna Belgarde of Mandan; his nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, and numerous friends from Belcourt and the Bismarck/Mandan area.

He is preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandparents Peter and Angeline (Frederick) Marcellais, maternal grandparents John and Mary Rose (McGillis) Parisien, nephew Loren “Sonny” Azure, and stepsons Kristian “Chango” Martinez and Brock LaFloe.