Paul Joseph Ployhar

Paul Joseph Ployhar, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Melstone, MT on June 30, 2021 following a six month battle with esophageal cancer.

Paul was born the third of nine children to Joseph E and Mary J (Baburek) Ployhar at the family farm in Coffee Creek, MT on April 25, 1932. Paul graduated from St. Leo's Catholic High School in Lewistown, MT in 1950. After graduation, he relocated with the family to a ranch in Potomac, MT.

In 1952, Paul was drafted into the US Army and served in the 32nd Infantry Regiment in the Korean War. Although Paul was very quiet about his time in active service, we know that he had specialized training in radio communications and completed his duty with honors. Upon returning from Korea, he formed Ployhar Logging with his brother, Stephen, who was also a Korean War Veteran. They operated their logging business throughout Montana for the next 42 years.

Paul married the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Gendrow, in Bonner, MT on May 4, 1957. They were blessed with 5 children whom they raised in Deer Lodge. Work opportunities led Paul to Eastern Montana in the late 80's and early 90's. After Nancy's untimely death in 1994, he relocated to Melstone full time.

Paul had a strong faith and was very active in the local Catholic parish. A gifted musician, Paul enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin at jam sessions and family gatherings, instilling in his children an appreciation of music. In retirement, Paul enjoyed fishing, wood cutting and gardening; he could often be found tending the community garden or delivering firewood to friends and neighbors.

Always a hard worker, and especially mechanically inclined, he was known as the town Fix-It Man (or Melstone MacGyver!); Paul continued to cut firewood, operate his chain saws, and help others until just before his death. Paul remained quick witted, sharp as a tack, and tough as nails to the very end.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents, Joseph and Mary Ployhar; and siblings Charlie, Martin, Stephen, Rosalie Froehlich, Annie O'Neill and Mary Anne Abbot.

Paul is survived by two siblings, Albert (Peggy) Ployhar of Spokane Valley, WA and Josephine Labbe of Turah, MT; children Marie Ployhar of Deer Lodge, Madonna (Kirk) Mader of Orovada, NV, Loretta (Ron) Sweigard of Cle Elum, WA, Annette (Sean) Galahan of Deer Lodge, and Anthony (Shelley) Ployhar of Delaware, OH; grandchildren Jessica Scharf, Austin (Kelly) Scharf, Quinn (Chase) Briggs, Kade Mader, Danielle Sweigard, Sami Sweigard, Joey Meagher, Connor Meagher, Julian Ployhar, Tristan Ployhar and Farryn Ployhar; and 9 great grandchildren.

Paul's Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Melstone, MT on July 21, 2021 at 11:30 am (Rosary will be at 11:00 am), followed by a luncheon at the Melstone Community Center.

Paul's graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, MT on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon at The Broken Arrow.

Memorials can be made to The Melstone EMT/Fire Service, Melstone Swimming Pool or Melstone Community Center.