Ernest Leonard Pachl

Mr. Ernest L. Pachl passed away in Lewistown, Montana, after a long illness. He was born in the fall of 1945 to Vincent and Mary Ann (Olheiser) Pachl, being the youngest of their sixteen children. He grew up on the family farm in Stark County, near Dickinson, North Dakota, where he enjoyed working with horses and farm equipment during his formative years. After graduating from high school, he began an apprenticeship in operating loaders, dozers, and scrapers. A proud teamster, he often shared stories about his dedication to the craft unions.

In 1967, Ernest asked a charming woman out to dinner, and within a few months, he married Shirley K. VanVleet in February 1968. They welcomed two children into their family: Nicole and Ernest "Sonson." The couple lived in Billings, Montana, where Shirley worked for St. Vincent's and Deaconess hospitals. Mr. Pachl was a reliable equipment operator and earned praise for his work on the placement of massive boulders surrounding the Billings Metra in the mid-1970s. Together, they explored various small business ventures, including managing a popular disco called the Eutopia Club.

Ernest cherished his children and loved taking them for rides in his many cars, often visiting the drive-in every weekend. He was also an exceptional gardener, known for having the most beautiful hedges in every neighborhood he lived in.

In the 1980s, Ernest became ill and spent many years in hospitals, undergoing treatments that caused significant side effects. Despite facing these challenges, he outlived almost all his siblings, his son, and the mother of his children. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Pachl, of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

At his request, cremation has taken place. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings, Montana, in the family plot. May peace be with you, and may the Lord Jesus Christ touch your hearts.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com