Harry Lewis Pochant, Jr., known affectionately by all as "JR," a lifelong farmer, dedicated public servant, and proud veteran, passed away of natural causes on March 15, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community in Garrison. Funeral Service will be at Augustana Lutheran Church on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00AM with time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Coleharbor cemetery with full military honors.

JR was born on June 28, 1931, on the family farm near Coleharbor, the son of Harry and Esther Pochant. He attended school in Coleharbor, beginning a life defined by his commitment to the land and his community.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, JR served his country during the Korean War, stationed primarily in Europe. Following his service, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Virginia Allen, on October 24, 1954. Together, they built their home in Coleharbor, where they lived until recently.

JR’s work ethic was woven into the history of the region. In his early years, he worked at the Big Bend grocery store, contributed to the construction of the Garrison Dam, skirted trailer houses at the Minot Air Force Base, served as a part-time mail carrier and hauled rock for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. However, his true passion was always the farm. As a lifelong farmer, JR spent decades working alongside his father, brothers, nephews, son, and grandson, teaching them the trade and the value of hard work every step of the way. Beyond the wide-open fields of the farm, he was known for the expansive garden that he meticulously tended for hours at a time. It was a labor of love that he took great pride in sharing with family and friends alike.

His commitment to his hometown was steadfast; JR served for 35 years on the Coleharbor City Council and as Mayor, helping to lead the town he loved.

An avid hunter and fisherman, JR found peace in the North Dakota outdoors. He was a charter member of the Sakakawea Roughriders Snowmobile Club. During the winter months, he was a familiar face at the Harbor Bar, where he spent countless afternoons playing pinochle and sharing stories with a lifetime’s worth of friends. JR was a scratch bowler and a member of the Underwood Farmers Elevator bowling team for many years.

JR is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Virginia; his children, Brenda (Dean) Shirley and Heith (Jaime) Pochant; three grandchildren, Chandra (Tom) O’Donnell, Jeffrey (Nicole) Shirley, and Justin Pochant; and four great-grandchildren, Jada, Maya, Lillie, and Ellie. He also leaves behind his sisters, Marlene Molzahn and Lois Hummel, sisters-in-law Sallie Pochant and Florence Brunner, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Henry "Hank" (Ruth), Robert "Skinny" (Geri, Gloria and long-time friend Pat Liska), DuWayne "Dukes" (Joan), and Alden (Myrt); as well as his brother-in-law, Ron Molzahn.