Paul H. Dannels

Paul Hadwin Dannels Jr. (Sonny) broke free of his earthly chains as the sun rose on November 8 th , 2026 after a difficult but valiant battle with cancer. He was in his home in Hamilton, MT surrounded by loved ones who showered him with cherished memories and well wishes for his journey. Two eagles who have long lived on his property stood on a branch near their nest, eyes fixed on the house as he took his final breaths. Both eagles took flight when he died, carrying his soul on eagles’ wings to a beautiful place where this beloved husband, father, and friend will know only love and peace and joy. He will never again experience pain. He was 81 years old when he died. 

Paul was born in Kalispell, Montana on August 8 th , 1945. His family moved to the hi-line once they tired of bears chasing them out of their home. He spent most of his childhood in Havre in the home his father built. He began work as a paperboy at a very young age to help support his parents and siblings. He served in the Army National Guard, owned a cement business, worked as a pipe fitter for Burlington Northern Railroad, and assisted friends and family in repairing and building homes while living in Havre. Paul moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1986 after medically retiring from the railroad. He served as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff and volunteered his labor to build countless homes, barns, and outbuildings in the Bitterroot community. He also volunteered at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the U.S.A. and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, two non-profit organizations that are deeply committed to helping others.

Paul is survived by the love of his life, Valerie Dannels, whom he was married to for twenty-six beautiful years. He is also survived by his brothers Bruce and Ollie Dannels, his sisters Colleen Brooks and Nancy Adams, his children Robert [Ruth] Dannels, Kimberly [Tobin] Ruff, David [Christine] Dannels, Paul [Lillian] Dannels, Dana [Buck] Maginnis, Vanessa Thiemann, and Howard [Amy Chadwick] Williams, his grandchildren Casey [Mariah] Reid, Ryan [Cristina] Reid, Kyle [Andee] Reid, Casey [Sheena] Barber, Katey [Daniel Steinler] Barber, Cody [Ashley] Barber, Lexie and Madison Ruff, Zayden and Liam Dannels, Paul Dannels IV, Charlie Anderson, Eli and Ashlynn Dannels, Malcolm [Natalie] Maginnis, Jerzy [Samantha] Maginnis, Gemma [Ben] Maginnis, Gracie [Henry] Thiemann, Emma [Kieran] Thiemann, and thirteen great-grandchildren. They will forever hold him in their hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Marcella (Marcie) Dannels, his brother Marshall (Bugs) Dannels, his sister Caroline (Sis) Powell, his daughter Cheryl Barber, his son-in-law Paul Thiemann, and his grandson Jesse Dannels.

Paul was a remarkable man, known for his booming voice, his determined “I can fix anything” spirit, and his huge heart. He did not hesitate to help neighbors or even strangers in need, even going so far as to give a homeless individual the flannel he was wearing and a bit of cash after fixing their disabled car. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter and earned several trophies in black powder and trap shooting events. As an artisan he crafted the most intricate and stunning stained-glass lamps.

His family is holding a celebration of life ceremony at the Corvallis Grange #17, which is located at 130 Dutch Hill Rd. in Corvallis, MT on Wednesday, November 11 th from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., where family and friends will have an opportunity to share stories and cherished memories of Paul both in person and in writing for a memory jar. Anyone who would like to share pictures can either print and bring those photos for the altar or e-mail digital copies to memorialcontent888@gmail.com.

Paul’s family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society) to support cancer research or to the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org), which supported his granddaughter through her kidney transplant journey. Both causes were dear to his heart.