Richard Poukka

Richard "Dick" W. Poukka gained his wings on March 27, 2025.
Born on October 8, 1945 in Duluth, MN to Ralph and Angeline (Skull) Poukka. In his younger years he lived on the Iron Range (North of Duluth) in a town called Palo. He loved Palo and talked a lot about it. In his teens his family relocated to Proctor, MN (Nopeming area).
He married Elaine Tillman on July 31, 1965. To this union they lovingly raised 4 children, Anne, Bill, Tracy and Jackie.
In the early 60's he worked for Fraser Shipyards and was a member of the Boilermaker's Union and Local 117. While working here he experienced the great opportunity of spending many man hours repairing the well-known vessel the "Edmund Fitzgerald". Not long after that he joined Boilermaker's Union Local 647.
In the late 70's his family packed up for a new adventure and moved to Underwood, ND where his new job would be building boilers during the power plant boom. The family lived in a tent for 6 weeks due to a housing shortage!
When he wasn't working you would often see him cutting wood. He loved to tinker with just about anything in his shop. He also enjoyed an occasional hand at fishing, long drives (with the windows down) enjoying the country air, canning, western movies, watching golf and cooking some great family meals as well as entertaining.
His job required him to travel for work and included much of North Dakota and Minnesota. When duty called, he was packing up for his next adventure.
In 1970, he obtained his GED with "high" honors! He retired in 2003. He was a very socially inclined man and made many friends wherever he went. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He will be remembered for his warm heart, sense of humor, and his infectious smile!
He is survived by his companion of 63 years, Elaine Poukka, by his children Anne Gutknecht (Tim Webb), Bill (Audrey) Poukka, Tracy Bloomquist (Neil Halland) and Jackie (Bob) Duttenhefer and his beloved cat Mercedes. Additional survivors include his grandchildren, James Poukka, Rachel Cannon (Brad), Celina (Kenneth) Loepp, Kevin (Aspen) Gutknecht, Kyrstin (Daniel) Froelich, Jenna (William) Kayton, Austin Duttenhefer, Jakob Bloomquist (Michael Lunde) and Kaleigh Webb-Gutknecht; great-grandchildren Nathan and Shay Cannon, Jordan and Caleb Loepp, Evelyn Cupp, Sawyer and Albie Kayton, and Zoey and Zara Gutknecht; sister Cindy Draeger; brothers Robert Poukka (Donna McDonald) Roger (DuRae) Poukka and Ronald Poukka.
Preceding him in death are his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, sister Sue and brother Ralph Jr., as well as his beloved cat Zander.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter in Fargo.
Memorial Service: 2 pm Saturday, April 12, 2025, at West Funeral Home in West Fargo.
Visitation: An hour prior.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
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