DJ Charbonneau

Funeral services for DJ Charbonneau, 42, of Dickinson will be 12:00 p. m. , Monday, May 16, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson with Pastor Joe Natwick officiating. Entombment will take place in the Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation for DJ will be from 1:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. , Sunday, May 15, 2016 with a prayer service being held at 4:00 p. m. at Stevenson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue from 8:00 a. m. to 10:00 a. m. on Monday at the funeral home. DJ passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at his home in Dickinson surrounded by his family. Donald Joseph Charbonneau, Jr. was born May 24, 1973, in Dickinson, the son of Donald and Sydney (Rakowski) Charbonneau. He grew up and attended St. Patrick’s grade school and Trinity High School, graduating with the class of 1991. After attending college, DJ returned to Dickinson where he began his career at Charbonneau Car Center. He was proud to be the third generation of his family to work at the dealership and was able to develop it into a cornerstone of our community that will be around for generations to come. His favorite part of the job was developing relationships with his customers who often became his friends. DJ was grateful to have shared the greatest years of his life with his best friend, Michelle (Kadrmas) Charbonneau. The two were married on February 28, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church, Dickinson. This brought about a new adventure in his life as he embraced the role of husband whole-heartedly. He loved his three step-children, Brooke, Brandi and Tanner, as his own from the day they came into his life. DJ never missed one of their activities or sporting events. Several years ago, DJ gave into Michelle and reluctantly purchased a cabin at Weidner Bay. DJ was shocked to find out how much he loved the lake and the great friends they had there. He even took on the role of Weidner Bay Camp Director. Two of DJ’s passions in life were helping people and promoting his community. Never were these passions more evident than through his service to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and Dickinson Elks Lodge. He served as Exalted Ruler for Dickinson Elks Lodge #1137, and would proudly tell anyone about the countless charitable activities the Lodge was currently working on. DJ was currently serving as President of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board. He was a tireless leader of St. Joseph’s Hospital Charity Ball Committee where he served as Auction Chair and also a member the hospital’s Golf Scramble Committee. DJ was an avid North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan and attended several of their games this past season. Some of his favorite pastimes were spending time at the lake, playing darts, meeting new people and traveling with family and friends. DJ never met a stranger – just ask any cab driver in Las Vegas. DJ was excited and looking forward to meeting and spoiling Brandi and Nick’s baby boy in July, and already bought him plenty of Tar Heels gear. DJ will forever be remembered for his giving heart and infectious smile that never took a day off. DJ is survived by his wife, Michelle of Dickinson; step-children, Brooke (Luke) Leno, Brandi Ouellette, Tanner Ouellette; father, Don (Irene) Charbonneau of Palm Springs, CA; sister, Danielle (Todd) McClure of Denver, CO; niece, Taya McClure; aunt, Pat (Charbonneau) Berg and uncles, Doug (Jeanniene) Rakowski and Bill Rakowski. He is preceded in death by his mother, Sydney, his grandparents and uncle, James Peter Rakowski. In lieu of flowers, DJ’s family suggests memorials be made to: Team DJ Memorial Fund, in honor of DJ, who has always been the leader of team DJ. The money will go to other cancer victims who are courageously fighting the fight. Through this fund, DJ will live on by carrying out what he did best, helping and supporting others. Donations may be made at any Dakota Community Bank location, Attention: Team DJ Memorial Fund.


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Burial Date: May 16, 2016
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Monday: Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND