Julius Poitra
Julius F Poitra, 78, passed away peacefully while enjoying his last sleep with his wife Pamela by his side on Nov. 14, 2024.
Julius was born in Belcourt, N.D., on Dec. 11, 1945, to Albert Poitra and Nora Azure. He was the third child of 10 children. Julius attended elementary and middle school in Wolf Point, Mont. In 1963, he graduated from Stephan High School, S.D.
From November 1964 through November 1967, Julius served the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He held the distinction of operating one of two jungle crushers (Trasphibian Tactical Crusher). The tree crushers cleared more than 2,000 acres around Long Binh by themselves.
He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He was an Expert (Rifle M-16) and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14).
In 1969, Julius married Helen Pipe. From the marriage, they had two children, Joseph and Julie.
In 1971, he graduated Siebel School of Drafting, Denver, Colo.
He worked as a Draftsman for Tumpane Engineering, Glasgow AFB, Draftsman at Fort Peck Housing Authority, worked at IHS for a short time, worked in construction rebuilding the WPHS after it burned, for Gus Albert Construction paving highways, at the Gun Factory and was an Engineering Draftsman for the Bureau of Reclamation where he retired, from 11/1983 to 01/2008.
In 1984, he met his wife, Pamela Pipal. From this marriage, they had three special dogs, George, Daisy and Buddy who they loved like children. They spent 40 years together.
Julius loved hunting, fishing and camping. He loved walking and would walk almost every day if the weather permitted.
He loved his family very much. He was a very generous, kind man that loved with his whole heart. He was the best father and grandfather
