Robert Paquette

Robert Paquette KINGSFORD - Robert Donald "Tyke" Paquette, 81, of 521 Mayview Ave., Kingsford, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at ManorCare Health Services. He was born on Oct. 18, 1923, in Kingsford, the son of the late Clifford and Sophie (Erickson) Paquette. He attended Kingsford schools. Robert fought for his country with the famous "Red Diamond" division, Fifth Infantry under General George S. Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. His division landed in Normandy and smashed a hole in the German Army. The Fifth Infantry was the spearhead of the push across France. He was commended with the Victory Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon with silver star, four overseas service bars and the Good Conduct medal. He served from Feb. 7, 1943, until his honorable discharge on Nov. 17, 1945. In his departure overseas his father, Clifford, gave him a small prayer book to carry with him. This he wore in his uniform pocket over his heart. Inside was written "Dear Son, this prayer book was carried by me during World War I. It was given to me by my aunt, Sister M. Chrysostrom, who was my dad's sister. Bring it back when you come home. Carry this book and medal with you always. They will protect you. God Bless you son, Dad." On the last page Robert's dad wrote "If this book is found, please return to Clifford Poquette, 513 Mayview Ave., Kingsford, Mich. USA". He married the love of his life, Mavis Martin on Aug. 4, 1942, in Iron Mountain. This marriage resulted in 62 years of devotion for each other. In the fifties in order to provide for his wife and children, Robert worked all day at Bob's Auto Salvage, then after supper did lawn mower repair and mechanic work at Machus' Service Station. He also ran his own service station on West Breen Ave. He was so kindhearted he often didn't charge his customers and soon went broke. He later retired from Lodal after 20 years of service. Robert was an excellent mechanic and could make any engine run when others failed. He restored several antique vehicles, built three houses for his family while also working full-time. After retirement Robert and his wife enjoyed their mini-farm with cows and chickens. He also loved to take Sunday rides in the country looking for cars to restore. He especially enjoyed car shows and auctions. Robert was a quiet and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. He devoted his life to his wife and children. Robert would always give to others before himself. He taught his children that others need it more and that the others were worse off than them. While on a trip with a friend, his friend had forgotten his insulin at home. Robert gave him his instead of taking it himself. Because of this, he got ill and spent three months in the VA hospital. He is survived by his wife, Mavis; a daughter, Sandra Gustafson of Kingsford and her children, Wendee (Don) Pete of Florence, Wis., Tracy (Mace) Mattison of Amberg, Wis., Scott (Kim) Londree of Iron Mountain, Melissa Londree of Spread Eagle,Wis., Deanna Robertson of Florida, and Holly (James) Gray of Peshtigo, Wis.; a daughter, Linda Chapman of Kingsford and her daughter, Jodi (Gary) Pearson of Aurora, Wis.; a daughter Roberta Roberts of Aurora and her sons, Jesse LaBreton of Kingsford, Joshua Pietrantonio of Aurora and Adam Valeski of Aurora; two sons, Gary (Gina) of Aurora and Richard of Iron Mountain; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.; his sisters, Joyce (Ralph) Tautges of Cedarburg, Wis. and Iulas Codair of California; his brothers, Charles (Barbara) Paquette of Niagara, Wis. and Albert Paquette of Cleveland, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Isabel Paquette of Marinette, Wis. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Dennis and his wife, Elaine; his brother, Clifford; and his brother-in-law and best friend, William Martin. Private family services will be held on Saturday with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to11 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. at the Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Military rites will be accorded at the funeral home, following the services by the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Robert "Tyke" Paquette online at www.tondinfuneralhome.com. The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert Paquette

October 18, 1923 - July 5, 2005