Jesse Poitra, age 69 of Dunseith, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at his home near Dunseith.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.

Today we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Jesse — a man who meant so much to so many people.

Jesse was 68 years old, and in those years he built a life defined by hard work, humility, generosity, and respect. Someone recently described him perfectly with those words. But anyone who knew Jesse would probably add one more thing — he was witty. Jesse had a way of making people laugh, sometimes when they least expected it.

Jesse was born in Portland, Oregon, but spent most of his childhood growing up in Dunseith, North Dakota. He grew up surrounded by siblings, and if you ask any one of them about Jesse, you'll hear stories filled with banter, mischief, and adventures that probably shouldn't be repeated in full detail. Let's just say he knew how to keep life interesting.

Jesse was a hardworking man. He worked as an iron worker, a job that takes grit, strength, and determination — all qualities Jesse had plenty of.

While working as a sound man for a band, Jesse met someone very special, Lorna Strand. Together Jesse and Lorna welcomed their daughter, Savannah, into the world. He spent many years with Lorna raising Savannah and helping raise her two boys, Eric and Joe. Jesse loved them like his own, and family meant everything to him.

Later, Jesse was blessed with a son of his own, Nicholas Wallette. Being a father was something Jesse was incredibly proud of. He loved sharing pictures, telling stories, and talking about his kids whenever he had the chance.

Later in life, Jesse found another special companion in Dawn Vall. They spent many years together, and Jesse welcomed Dawn's children into his life as well. Jesse had a way of making room for people in his life and in his heart.

He loved fixing things and working on hands-on projects. If something was broken, Jesse wanted to figure out how to make it work again. If you needed help, he was the kind of person who would show up with tools in his hand. He enjoyed being outdoors whenever he could. But when he was stuck inside, you could often find him relaxing with a good movie.

These moments are the things we'll remember. The laughter. The stories. The times he showed up to help. The quiet ways he cared for the people around him.

Jesse passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones. And while saying goodbye is never easy, there is comfort in knowing he was surrounded by the people who meant the most to him.

The truth is, when someone like Jesse leaves us, they don't really leave the stories behind. Those stories live on in the people who loved him. In his siblings, who can still share those mischievous childhood memories. In his children, who carry pieces of him with them every day. And in the many friends and family members who were lucky enough to know him.

So today, as we remember Jesse, let's do it the way he would probably want — by sharing stories, by remembering the laughter, and by appreciating the time we were lucky enough to have with him.