Richard Paquin

Richard E. Paquin, age 79, of Sebeka, Minnesota and formerly of Faribault, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in Brainerd, Minnesota.     A Celebration of Richard's life will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Knights of Columbus Hall (17 3rd St. N.E.) in Faribault from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will be held at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday at 1:15 p.m. in assembly area four.    Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.    Richard Ernest Paquin was born on March 10, 1932 to Victor and Katherine (Kubicek) Paquin in Faribault. Richard grew up in Medford and graduated from the Medford School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952. During his career as a Captain in the Air Force, he was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross medals and an Air Force Commendation Medal in 1960 for serving as an Electronic Warfare Supervisor in a program of international significance. He married Susan Lucille Wilkins in Waco, Texas on May 29, 1954. They returned to Minnesota in 1962 after Richard's discharge from the Air Force. Richard worked for the United States Postal Service and they lived in Faribault, Saint Paul and Medford while raising their eight children and later divorced. Richard married Pearl May Gaughan on June 7, 1974 and they made their home in Lake Elmo and Coon Rapids until her death on June 8, 2006. Richard enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, bird watching, spending time with his family and traveling.     He is survived by his children, Richard (Cheryl) Paquin of Owatonna, Matthew (Gay) Paquin of Faribault, John Paquin of Madison, Wisc, Cathlena Chazen of Mankato, Ellien (Barry) Bishop of Buffalo, Timothy Patrick Paquin of Owatonna, Anita Campbell of Faribault, Cearle (Greg) Pineur of Faribault, and Holly Sielaff of Colorado; two siblings, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.    He is preceded in death by his second wife, parents, two sisters and a brother and his grandson David Paquin.