Paul Neil Odegaard, age 79, of Missoula, Montana, passed away at home on hospice on July 8, 2025, surrounded by family following a courageous journey with cancer.
Paul was born on May 30, 1946, in Billings, Montana, to Wesley and Audrey Odegaard. From a young age, he was deeply involved in his community — participating in Scouts, Demolay, serving as an acolyte at American Lutheran Church, YoungLife, National Honor Society, and Boys State.
A natural leader, Paul was the Student Body President at Billings Senior High School graduating in 1964. He attended Wabash College in Indiana for a year before returning home to Montana and graduating from the University of Montana with a degree in pharmacy in 1969. During this time he married the sweetheart of his life, Ande Barney, and started a family back in Billings. He also served his country for six years in the Army Reserve.
Throughout his life, Paul’s passion was serving others. He began his career at the family’s Odegaard’s store in Billings, famously known as the store with “everything under the sun”. There, he learned the true meaning of hard work, customer service, community spirit and met his sweetheart, Ande. After the store was sold, Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to shine. He helped launch a drug and hardware store in Colstrip, Montana, tried his hand at real estate, purchased and operated Winter Hardware with his brother John, and then purchased Mrs. Butler’s Kitchen, which was a Billings landmark with a thriving restaurant, take out and catering business specializing in “broasted chicken” and family meals.
Paul later moved to Hamilton to open a new pharmacy for Buttery’s, then transferred to Albertson’s in Missoula, where he served customers with care and dedication. His last job in pharmacy was his favorite, working part-time at Partnership Health Center Pharmacy. He had a special spot in his heart for those struggling to make ends meet and helping them get the care and medicines they needed amidst life’s challenges.
Paul served on the board of directors of The Arc of Western Montana, an organization who helps people with disabilities live fulfilling lives. His daughter, Pam, lives in a group home in Missoula that is operated by The Arc. An important part of his life was spending time with Pam going for car rides around town to “go get a pop” and sharing special moments with her.
A special hobby of Paul’s was gardening and making a masterpiece of each yard he owned. He obtained his Master Gardener certification to add to his skills. He also was a long time Rotarian, participating in clubs in Billings and Hamilton.
Above all, Paul will be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to serving others to the best of his abilities.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife and sweetheart of 57 years, Ande; his children, Doug Odegaard (Robyn) and Pam Odegaard both of Missoula; his grandchildren, Isaac Odegaard of Missoula and Cana Odegaard of Boulder, Colorado; and his brother, John Odegaard (Jacque) of Costa Mesa, California along with many others he considered his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Wesley and Audrey (Gauslow) Odegaard of Billings, Montana, his brother Leon Odegaard of Red Lodge, Montana, and his sister Aliene Drews (Ed) of Santa Cruz, California.
We wish to expressly thank the wonderful care team at Montana Cancer Center including Dr. Alan Thomas, Alexis Czorny, NP and the incredible oncology infusion nurses and volunteers who made him feel at home and kept him smiling during his chemotherapy sessions. We also wish to thank Dr. Jack Branston and Marge Zaveta at St. Patrick Hospital and Dr. Michael Caldwell who provided incredible care to him and our family. Finally, we wish to thank the Partners Hospice Care team including Mary, Wendy, Bridgette and Amy who were inspiring angels that helped us navigate his last days at home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Missoula Alliance Church with a reception to follow. Bring a story to share and dress casually as Paul would have preferred.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to The Arc of Western Montana, an organization that reflects Paul’s lifelong dedication to helping others. They can be found at https://thearcwmt.org for donation information.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.