Paul Eckert Meissner

Paul Eckert Meissner, a farmer and rancher, passed away March 13, 2024 peacefully at Logan Health Care in Chester, Montana.

   Paul was born on July 12, 1931 on the Meissner Ranch on the Marias River to George Sr. and Margaret Eckert Meissner. He was the youngest of seven children. Between chores, Paul attended a neighboring country school up until the 8^th grade. Even while attending school, Paul took on many responsibilities on the farm and ranch. As Paul’s parents became older, his brothers took on the role of raising and mentoring him. Evidently, they did a good job as Paul went onto become an accomplished rancher, farmer, and businessman.

   In the little free time Paul had, he enjoyed a few ski trips with the neighbors. About 1971 Paul had an inkling to ask Arlene to go skiing with him. This resulted in a wedding on June 18, 1972. Arlene had 2 sons, Shawn and Blaine, whom Paul adopted. In January of 1977 Joey was born to complete the family.

   Even though Paul devoted much of his time to the farm and ranch, he still found time to enjoy ski trips with the family, a family trip to Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska, and with a little trickery from Arlene and Joey to get a passport picture, Paul traveled to Germany and England to explore and visit extended family.

   Paul was active on the FSA committee in his younger years, a co-owner of Meissner Tractors with his brothers, as well as manager of Meissner Ranches well into his 80’s

   Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years Arlene; his sons, Shawn (Desma) Meissner and Blaine (Julie) Meissner; his daughter, Joey (Ed) Cole; his grandchildren, Shea and Daine Meissner, and Rhiannon, Sadie, Hunter, and Osten Cole; as well as his sister, Margaret Meissner; and brother-in-law, Jerry Albright. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George, Frank, Joe, Ernest, Lawrence; and a few good dogs and horses.

 Funeral services will be held March 30, at 10 am at the Chester Alliance Church. Burial will be in Chester Cemetery with luncheon to follow at the church. Donations may be made to donor’s choice or the Liberty County Stockyards.