Paul G. Schwenke, age 72, of Helena

On the evening of March 28, 2023, Paul Gordon Schwenke passed away after a long battle with COPD at Elkhorn Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Clancy, Montana.  Surrounded by his children, he passed peacefully.  He was 72-year-old.

Paul was born on May 27, 1950 to Norma (Clarice) and Earl Thomas Myers in Cut Bank, Montana.  When Paul was just a few years old, Clarice and Earl divorced.  In May of 1960, Clarice remarried.  Her new husband, Walter Fred Schwenke, adopted Paul and raised him as his own.

Paul spent his youth in Shelby, Montana.  He graduated from Shelby High School in 1969.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  Paul served his country in the Vietnam War and later became a welder in the Navy.  According to many, welding is where his true talents shined through.

While home on leave in the summer of 1973, Paul met his future wife, Kathleen Sue Spencer.  They quickly became inseparable and moved to Connecticut where Paul was stationed in New London.   They married in Shelby, Montana on July 12, 1975.  In 1976, Paul was stationed in Scotland.  In 1977, he discharged from the Navy.

After leaving the Navy, Paul and Kathy made their home in Shelby, Montana.  Paul worked many different careers while raising his family.  He owned his own welding business, worked in the oilfields, and did construction work.  Paul worked hard and did his best to support his family until becoming disabled in 1988.

Paul and Kathy separated in March of 2004.  Paul decided to move to Great Falls, Montana.  After a few years, Paul moved to Helena, Montana where he was an active member of the Center for Mental Health for many years.  Paul enjoyed his time working at the center and meeting new friends.  He also loved to grab coffee at the nearby Donut Hole or Starbucks.

When Paul’s health began to decline, he moved to Townsend, Montana where he lived until the beginning of 2023.  Paul spent the last few months of his life in Clancy, Montana at Elkhorn Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Throughout the years, Paul enjoyed many different hobbies.  Paul loved watching the 49ers win at football.  He also loved watching boxing with friends.  He loved poker games and was always looking for the next big win.  He was always up for a cup of coffee and a chat with his family and friends.  Paul also enjoyed spending time outdoors and observing nature.

Paul is survived by daughters Jenny Schwenke, Janet Schwenke, Samantha (Cory) Clark, and Jackie Smitherman; grandsons Ethan Schwenke, Alex Zimmerman, and Elias Smitherman; great-granddaughter Scarlett Schwenke; sister Noreen Schwenke; and numerous extended family members and friends.  Paul was preceded in death by his mother Clarice Schwenke; father Walt Schwenke; and birth father Earl Myers.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held on April 12,2023 at 2 pm at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Montana.  Memorials are suggested to the Center for Mental Health at 900 N Jackson St. Helena, Montana 59601.

Service Schedule

Burial with Military Honors

2:00 p.m.

Wednesday April 12, 2023

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

1900 Williams Ave.

Fort Harrison, Montana 59636

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