Ernest Pachl

Mr. Ernest L. Pachl died in Lewistown, Montana, after a long illness. Born to Vincent and Mary Ann (Olheiser) Pachl, he was the youngest of sixteen children, on a farm in Dickinson, Stark County, North Dakota, in the fall of 1948. Ernest enjoyed working with horses and farm equipment during his formative years. After high school, he apprenticed driving loaders, dozers, and scrapers. A proud teamster, he shared numerous stories about dedication to the craft unions.

In 1967, he asked a pretty woman out for dinner, and within a few months, he married Shirley K. VanVleet in February 1968. To this union, Nicole and Ernest "Sonson" were born. The couple resided in Billings, Montana, while his wife worked for St. Vincent's and Deaconess hospitals. Mr. Pachl was a reliable equipment operator and was praised for the placement of the massive boulders surrounding the Billings Metra in the mid-1970s. The couple were driven by small business ventures and had their time managing a popular disco called the Eutopia Club.

Ernest loved his children and enjoyed taking them for rides in his many cars, often taking them to the drive-in each weekend. He was an excellent yard keeper and was admired for the prettiest hedges in every neighborhood he ever lived in.

In the 1980s, Ernest became ill and endured many years in hospitals, taking many medications that caused significant side effects. Despite years of direct care, he had survived almost all his siblings, his son, and the mother of his children. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Pachl, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

He had asked for cremation, and inurnment will take place in his family plot at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings, Montana. May peace be with you, and 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