Paul Albert Bessler was born in Powell, Wyoming on April 22, 1938 to Clara Gregoire Bessler and Leo Peter Bessler. He was the fifth in line of their 8 children.
He had many happy childhood memories with his siblings and cousins on the family farm in Powell. He was very close to sisters, Dorothy, Rita and Helen, brothers Nick, Denis, Frank and Bob. The boys were known as the Bessler Hooligans.
He met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Walker, in May 1958 when she was roller skating with her sister Ginger. He was smitten at first glance and told his companions that she was his. He told her that night, he was going to marry her someday. It didn’t take much to convince her and on May 29, 1959 they were married at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cody, Wyoming. The couple started their married life in Cody.
Early in their marriage Paul worked with the Forrest Service.
In 1962 Paul started working at Kaiser Permanente ( Ash Grove) in Montana City. He worked there until his retirement.
They were blessed with 3 children, Randal in 1960, Lora in 1962 and Michelle in 1966.
After retirement, Paul and Barb enjoyed many years traveling around the US listening to music and making new friends wherever they went. They had a great adventure traveling to Denmark to see friends.
Paul was very creative, whether building furniture, heirloom bassinets and cribs for his grandchildren, their home and even numerous prank props. He loved working with wood and made beautiful wooden bowls, vases, and animal carvings.
Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara, son Randy and his wife Susie, children Taryn (Rustin), Duncan and Alec. Daughter Lora (Bob), daughter Amanda (Brian), Daughter Michelle, children Chelsea (Randy), son Tyson, and daughter Karlee (Chase). Great grandchildren; Deak, Timmy, Austin, Audrina, Zachary, Bentley, Tatum, Haven, Vivi, Teagan, Ivy and Marcus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Clara, sister Dorothy, and brothers Nick and Denis.
He was well loved and will be missed by many. He never met a stranger – he treated new people like old friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 4-6pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12pm at SS Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena, MT 59635. A reception will follow in church at the conclusion of mass.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Thursday April 16, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00pm
Friday April 17, 2026
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday April 17, 2026
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Thursday April 16, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00pm
Friday April 17, 2026
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday April 17, 2026
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena, MT 59635
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Niel C Helfert says
I’ve known Paul since he moved to east Helena always upbeat and positive a great guy. R.I.P. Paul you will be missed.
Rick Marks says
Randy and family, sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. May he rest in peace. Love to you all.
Tom Reilly says
Randy and Family,
Sorry to know of your Dad’s passing. I never knew him, but know he was a long-time Montana City resident and did many great things in his life. Take care,
Tom Reilly
Will Kissinger says
Paul was a great man. We were both firemen with the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. He was well respected as a dedicated fireman and a friend.
Will Kissinger
Drew Livesay says
Paul was a great story teller and all-around good guy. From constructing the family earth home based on his own design to creative woodworking or repairing most anything needing attention , Paul could do it and do it right. Take care out there Paul. Drew Livesay
Virginia Hula says
The twinkle is there in this photo. You always had a twinkle as you reminded me through the years that you always could remember my birthday. That was the day you met my sister Barbara at the Powell rollerskating rink. Together you had a partner ship through the years as you raised Randy, Lora and Shelly. Then the grandkids and great grandkids brought happiness.
You had many adventures together. You will be missed
Karen George says
Randy and Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. You will take your cherished memories of your father throughout your life. God bless you all.
Joy Novota says
Varied memories of varied events come to mind of years past. We just learned of Paul’s passing, and we send you our sympathy and warm hugs as you move through this difficult time. We remember some of those special ‘jazz’ moments so long ago. One in particular is just a bit different from the ‘usual’ in that we were in Sun Valley for their jazz festival….think it was when we did the bus trip. We were wandering around town a bit during the day before the music began. We ran into Paul, & he told us he’d just stepped out of one of the stores & ran right into Arnold Schwarzenegger who was also wandering through the downtown shops. (Arnold still has a home in Ketchum, ID.) All of the jazz folks shared in the ‘celebratory’ story of Paul & Arnold! Precious memories are a gift. Blessings to your family. ** From Gary & Joy Novota