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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 eight 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 Forest Service.
In 1962 Paul started working at Kaiser Permanente (Ash Grove) in Montana City. He worked there until his retirement.
They were blessed with three children, Randal in 1960, Lora in 1962 and Michelle in 1966. After retirement, Paul and Barb enjoyed many years traveling around the U.S. 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 4-6 p.m. 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 noon 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.
