Paul Leonard Van Orden

Paul Leonard Van Orden, aged 80, of Bozeman, MT passed away December 7th, 2016 after bravely battling cancer. Paul was born in Livingston, MT on September 9th, 1936 to parents Effie and Velferd Van Orden where he was raised alongside his numerous brothers and sisters. Paul attended Park High School in Livingston, graduating in 1954. He directly enlisted in the Navy, where he proudly served his country for 3 years. Following his Honorable discharge from the service, Paul worked multiple jobs, including 10 years spent working as a Yard Bull for Northern Pacific Railroad. He later invested 20 years at Montana Power Company, eventually retiring from his position in the Gas Department.

On May 31st, 1958, Paul was married to the love of his life, Blanche Minne, in Livingston, MT. Together, Paul and Blanche raised their three children: Andy, Mark, and Sylvia. Paul was very active in the life of his community, as well as the lives of his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and volunteering his time with the M.S. Society. He will be most remembered for his willingness to help others, but especially for his deep love, devotion, and care of his beautiful wife Blanche. Paul and Blanche were blessed with 41 years together.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Velferd and Effie; sisters Evelyn and Joyce; brothers Monte and Val; and his beloved wife Blanche. He is survived by son Andy Van Orden of Bozeman, MT; son Mark (Ginger) Van Orden of Belgrade, MT; daughter Sylvia (Greg) Megaard of Bozeman, MT; grandson Jason (Sarah) Van Orden of TX; grandson Cody Van Orden of Belgrade, MT; granddaughter Jessica Van Orden (Nate Peressini) of Belgrade, MT; grandson Brandon (Brandy) Megaard of Utah; grandson Brett (Rachel) Megaard of Bozeman, MT; granddaughter Mariah Megaard of Bozeman, MT; great-grandchildren Will, Sam, Allie, Braelyn, Baylee, Ava, and Savanna; brother Perry (Lela) Van Orden of Livingston, MT; sister Barbara Shandy of Livingston, MT; sister-in-law Dolores Van Orden of Livingston, MT; sister-in-law Mary Herden of Belfry, MT; brother-in-law Vince (Marian) Minne of WY; brother-in-law Lawrence (Kathy) Minne of MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A visitation for Paul will be held Wednesday Dec. 14th from 4:00-7:00PM at Dahl Funeral Chapel, located in Bozeman, MT. A Funeral will be held Thursday Dec. 15th, beginning at 10:30AM at the Shane Lalani Center located in Livingston, MT. Burial is to immediately follow at Park View Memorial Cemetery. Donations may be made in Paul’s honor to the M.S. Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate or Meals on Wheels at 807 N. Tracy Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715.