Donald Paquette

Donald J. Paquette, age 89, of Faribault, died peacefully at District One Hospital surrounded by the love of his family on March 12, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault, MN. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault. Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault on Thursday, March 15th from 4-7p.m. and at the church for one hour prior to services. Donald J. Paquette, son of Phillip & Helen (Fagerlund) Paquette, was born on June 25, 1922 in Walcott Township, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was a Staff Sergeant with the 646th Squad 410 group. He was awarded an ETO Ribbon, six Battle Stars and an Air Medal on April 22, 1944. On October 17, 1945 Don was united in marriage with Rose Kathleen Langer at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. After Military Service Don attended the Dunwoody Institute then opened a TV/Radio Repair shop in St. Paul. In the car business he worked for many years as a salesman for Lockner Sales, Mullen Motors and Malone Motors. He was a very accomplished business man owning a variety of additional enterprises including the Studebaker Dealership in Northfield MN (1951) and Paquette Homes in Faribault from which he retired (1986). He was a very kind, strong and generous man who could fix anything and was always willing to lend a hand. His love for family was unconditional. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Elks, and Moose Lodge. He was also a Bethlehem Academy past parent and supporter. He is survived by his wife Rose, one sister-in-law Gladys (Roger) Paquette of Aitkin, MN, six children, Karen (Doug)Stehling of Black Moutain, NC, Steve Paquette of Red Wing, David Paquette of Faribault, Diane McDaniel of Shoreview, Rick (Gail) Paquette of Faribault and Jean (Ron) McDonough of Faribault, MN; his 14 grandchildren, Josh and Aaron Lander, Shinnah (Cody) Black, Jessica Paquette, Benjamin Upin-Paquette, Naomi Shea, Kirsten (John) Coverstone, Ethan (Dawn) McDaniel, Corey Paquette, Owen and Jake (Beth) Dube, Camie Smith, Chad (Mary) Kletschka, & Adam McDonough; his 17 great grandchildren, Jacob, Kaytlin, Kyra, James, Chad, Kayla, Sam, Colton, Audrey, Ian, Leo, Logan, Lucas, Landon, Luke, Brielle, and Makinley and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Roger and Gordon (Lolita and their daughter Janel.) Memorials may be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church in memory of Don.