Jimmie Potucek, 78, of Radium, MN, died on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND.
Born on August 14, 1948 to Bill and Minnie (Sorenson) Potucek, Jimmie Leigh was raised on the family farm north of Radium. He attended McGregor Country School and in the 7th Grade went to school in town, graduating from Warren High School in 1966. He farmed with his family and worked for Lakehead Pipeline simultaneously, laying the foundation for the rest of his life’s work. It was his great luck to stop into a dance in Thief River where he met (and was immediately smitten with) Linda Ford. The two were married in St. John’s Lutheran Church of Red Lake Falls on October 21, 1972, and made their home back in Thief River Falls until the farm called him home in 1979. Farming was a lifestyle for Jim and his goal was to build a legacy he could pass to his children; not one of money, but of love of the land that would keep them close by. He was dedicated, present, often frugal, but kept the farm and household running while Linda worked, hardly missing a thing for his children. He shared with them many snowmobile and horseback rides, in addition to 4-H activities.
Jim and his family were members of Immanuel Lutheran of Radium and later became members of Alma Free Lutheran, with weekdays filled by working his land, hunting and fishing, gardening, and promoting agriculture to anyone who’d listen. In 2017 he and Linda moved across the farmyard to Jimmie’s newly-refurbished childhood home. He was grateful to live his life in one place.
Three days shy of their 54th anniversary, Jim leaves behind his wife, Linda; three children, Billy Potucek (Ali Hasbargen), Nathan (Krystina) Potucek, and Ann (Justin) Berg; four grandchildren, Levi, Logan, and Beck Potucek, and Josie Berg; sister, Barb Horien; and siblings-in-law, Kathy Kleven, Laurie Ford, Kristi (Elroy) Hagen, Guy (Lori) Ford, and Bryan (Darla) Ford; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; his in-laws, Harold and Dorothy Ford; and brothers-in-law, Robert Horien, and Corky Kleven.