Paul Edward Preeshl, 82, of Gildford, Montana, peacefully passed away on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer, where his family was continuously by his side.

Paul was born March 10, 1939 in Havre, Montana to William and Hortense Preeshl.  He graduated from Gildford High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the Armed Forces in Korea until March of 1960.  In April of 1966, he married Alice Teigen and the two began their life together in Hot Springs, Montana where Paul taught high school as well as coached basketball, football and track.  During their time in Hot Springs, Paul was blessed with his three children, Rocky, Paulette and Joelle.  In 1976, after earning his Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of Montana, Paul moved his family to Kremlin, Montana and worked for KG Schools as a teacher, coach and later on, Superintendent of Schools.  During his time there, Paul was passionate about fostering the education and life lessons of his students so that all had the same opportunity to succeed.  But most importantly, he worked hard to provide for his family and was so very proud of all their academic, athletic and life accomplishments.  In 1996, Paul retired from KG Schools.

In 1998, his passion for education and tireless work ethic brought him out of retirement to become Superintendent of Box Elder Schools.  During his five years there, Paul established many relationships with students, teachers and community members that he treasured dearly. After retiring from Box Elder Schools, Paul spent a great deal of his time doting over his grandchildren.  They were his pride and joy.  From school and sports activities to fishing, skate park excursions and tennis matches, he was always sure to keep them entertained.  He also loved taking care of the granddogs, Jetta, Kash and Remy every chance he could get.  When not spending time with his family, he could be found down at PJ’s playing poker and telling stories with his friends.

A genuinely selfless man, Paul always took great pride in being there for others.  This was evident in not only all he did for his children and grandchildren, but also in his compassion for Alice, whom although they were divorced, he continued to help his children care for.  His huge heart did not stop with just family.  Paul was always willing to provide words of wisdom and a helping hand to his students, friends and strangers alike.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, William and Hortense Preeshl and brothers Bob and Noel Preeshl.  He is survived by the mother of his children, Alice Preeshl, son Rocky (Lisa) Preeshl, daughters Paulette (Brent) Shipp and Joelle Stremcha, grandchildren Shayla Preeshl, Tyler (Morgan) Evans, Blake Preeshl, Braden Stremcha, Kaylee Stremcha, Lacy Preeshl and Terek Shipp, great-grandchildren Adelyn Wendt and Dean Evans and sister Jody Warren, along with numerous extended family.

A private memorial service will be held for his immediate family at a later date.