Name: Wake for Robert James Paquette Sr.
Start: 2018-12-04T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-12-05T01:00:00.000Z
Location: BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

Paquette, Sr., Robert James Went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2018 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Ruth Mary Paquette (Monday) for 68 years and the loving father of Robert Jr. (Tammy), James (deceased) (JoAnn), Michael (Cathy), Ruth (Gary), Judith (Dennis) and Joseph (Anastasia). He is also the loving grandfather of 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren - all of whom will miss him dearly. Of his ten siblings, only his eldest sister survives - Lorraine Zirnhelt of West Allis. Many other relatives and friends will greatly miss him. Robert was born on December 18, 1929 in the Merrill Park area of Milwaukee near Marquette High School. He grew up attending the St. Rose Parish and school, remaining in the area his entire life. Many years were spent working with his children and hundreds of other youth of the school and neighborhood, teaching sports, gymnastics, trampoline and diving - giving his love and attention to each of them. Prior to marrying Ruth in 1950, Robert served in the Army Air Corps from 1946-1948. Robert began his own business, Select Sound Service, in 1958 where during the 70's and 80's he was responsible for the sound and lighting for the Wisconsin State Fair, Summer Fest and all the ethnic festivals. Along with the success of his business to this day, was the accomplishment of his dream of acquiring rare microphones - eventually opening up his own microphone museum known internationally. His legacy of microphone knowledge has been written in his book "The History and Evolution of the Microphone"- he was a world renowned expert. God has richly blessed Robert with a happy life and family. In return, Robert has been a blessing to all who have known him with rippling effects that will last forever. His was a life well lived - a life of love and giving. In August 2017, Robert experienced the dream of his life - to fly in a P-51 World War II fighter through the generosity of the Commemorative Air Force. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the organization at CommemorativeAirForce.org. Wake at Becker Ritter Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec 4th, from 4 - 7 pm. Memorial Catholic Mass on Wednesday, Dec 5th at 10 am. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 540 N 31st St, Milwaukee. A private family interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery with Military Honors.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Paquette

Sponsored by BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME.

6 Entries

Timothy Vanderboom

December 5, 2018

Condolencess to the Paquette family.

Donnie Semega

December 5, 2018

Every kid who passed through St Rose during the 70's was impacted by Mr Paquette. His influence, kindness, and patience helped shaped many St Rose Student.

Like every St Rose kid who met Mr Paquette I am a better person for having known him.

May God Bless Mr Paquette and his family.

Lois Schmidt

December 5, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the Paquette family on the passing of their husband and father, also to the many friends. I never had the joy of meeting him, but through family and friends, I heard so much about him over the years. What an amazing man and wonderful family! Special thoughts to Dennis and Judy.

Shelley Lussmyer

December 3, 2018

I grew up across the street from the Paquette family. I have wonderful memories of all the kids. We all knew each other growing up, and Mr. Paquette and Ruth were such awesome people! I will never forget watching their kids on the trampoline! I just know Mr.Paquette always made the neighborhood seem safe. My sympathies to Ruth, all the children and grandchildren. I am so sorry. Shelley Chapman (Lussmyer)

Allen Jochem

December 3, 2018

I am saddened to learn of Bob's passing. When coming to Milwaukee to visit my sister and brother in law, I would always try to visit Bob at his microphone museum on Saturday mornings. We would visit for several hours and always found him to be very accommodating. Bob's knowledge of microphones, their history and the museum were amazing. I found it difficult to leave.
To Bob's family and friends, I offer deepest sympathy. Bob, Rest In Peace.
Allen Jochem, Quincy, Illinois.

Judy Wargin

December 1, 2018

I am the second oldest of the 10 Petchel children who grew up in St. Rose area
and attended the school/church, as did my husband, Tom Wargin.
We remember Bob and Ruth and the great trampoline in their yard.
We want to extend our sympathy to Ruth and all the Paquette children.
Bob was truly one of the great men of St. Rose parish and Ruth a great woman!
Judy and Tom Wargin

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