Paul E. Rigler

Paul Rigler passed away June 9, 2020, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. He was born to Dave and Ethel Rigler on October 7, 1928, in Corwin Springs, Montana. He attended school at Upper Mill Creek and graduated from Park County High School in 1947. Paul attended MSU for one year and then returned home to work on Mill Creek Ranch. On November 1, 1952, he married Leona Whipple. They had two children, Ron and Paula. Leona sadly passed away August 16, 1994.Paul wore many hats in his lifetime. He was a member of the St. Johns Episcopal Church, Stockgrowers, Park County Marketing Association, and Park County Pioneers, as well as a 4-H leader on the Park County Fair Board and Weed Board. He also served on the board of directors of Mill Creek Pipeline, of which he was very proud. Paul was honored to have been part of the packing crew with his cousin Frank, fighting fire in Yellowstone Park in 1988. Paul enjoyed fishing, trapping, moving livestock on "good" horses, and having barbecues and fish frys with family and friends. Paul and his brother David were inducted into the Ranchers Hall of Fame in 1998. That same year he moved to Livingston where he lived until his passing. On March 9, 2001, Paul married Kay Bonawitz. Paul, Kay, Rose, and David enjoyed many years of travel together. They went to various places including Alaska, Canada, Cruises to the Panama Canal, and all throughout the United States. In 2019, Paul and David received the Ranching Heritage Family Award from the Livingston Chamber of Commerce. Paul leaves behind his wife Kay; brother David (Rose); son Ron (Kari) of Townsend, MT, and daughter Paula (Kurt) of Ringling, MT; sisters-in-law, Joyce Keyes, Sharon (Dale) Mantei; brother-in-law, Fred Hartman. Also surviving are grandchildren Windee (Jim), Ande (Khristina), Chris (April), William, Kayla (Tyler), and Lane; stepchildren Brenda (Rick), Jim (Teresa); step grandchildren Amanda (Matt), Joseph, Emily, Bekki (Joe), Chelsea (Kenny), and Trevor; numerous great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, wife Leona, and son-in-law Randy Wildman. Memorials and contributions are suggested to charity of choice. A private family service will be held.