Bruce James Barrette DDS

Bruce James Barrette, DDS, of Marinette, Wisconsin passed away on June 18, 2023 Father's Day, surrounded by his family, following a six year battle with cancer. Bruce was born on April 23, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Dr. Antoine Barrette and Violet (Neshek) Barrette.
Dr. Barrette graduated from Peshtigo High School in 1967. He attended Marquette University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Following a year of employment at Schlitz Brewery, he enrolled at the Marquette University School of Dentistry and graduated in 1976. After graduation, Dr. Barrette served his country as a Navy dentist attached to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.
Following his service, he returned to Wisconsin and established a dental practice in Marinette, Wisconsin where he practiced for 36 years. During that time he also owned and operated Faucett Forest Products (a wooden pallet company) for 20 years.
In 1998, Dr. Barrette was asked to serve on the Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board. The Examining Board is in charge of licensing and discipline of dentists in Wisconsin. During his nine years on the Board, he was chair for five years.
His time on the Examining Board led to him serving on various committees of the American Association of Dental Boards. In 2002, he was awarded the American Association of Dental Board's "Citizen of the Year".
In an effort to maintain the highest standards of care, Dr. Barrette was very involved in licensing examinations of newly graduated dentists and traveled the country administering licensing examinations. During this time, he participated in all of the regional exams and was the President of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service.
In 2005, Dr. Barrette joined together with a group of dentists that were committed in forming a single, national, independent licensing examination for the whole country with the formation of the American Association of Dental Examiners (ADEX). That goal was achieved in 2020. Dr. Barrette was President of ADEX from 2010 to 2014.
Dr. Barrette held fellowships in the Pierre Fauchard Society, the American College of Dentistry and the International College of Dentistry. Through his various boards, Dr. Barrette met many individuals who became life-long friends.
Locally, for many years he was a member of the Peshtigo Booster Club and served on the Peshtigo School Board. He also served on the University of Wisconsin-Marinette Foundation and was honored to participate on an "Old Glory Honor Flight" to Washington DC.
Bruce was married to the former Sandra Bloch. Together they had three children, Sara (Brad) Marquardt, Whitewater, Brian (Kris) Barrette, DePere and Laura (Paris) Hill, Las Vegas. He is further survived by four grandchildren, Dakota VanFrachen, Kole VanFrachen, Emily Marquardt and Andrew Marquardt and four brothers, Dr. Mark (Sarah) Barrette, Dr. Roger (Amy) Barrette, Kim (Lori) Barrette and Dr. Perry (Stacey) Barrette. In August of 2017, Dr. Barrette married the former Debra Flom. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Dr. Barrette enjoyed traveling (especially his Around the World Trip), fishing, creating stained glass art at CJ Glass, reading and following the Green Bay Packers where he was a member of Team Lambeau and attended the Ice Bowl. He attended numerous games with his crew, Kim, Brian and John Gard.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and assistants who made Bruce's last days as comfortable as possible. Special thanks to his oncologist, Dr. Tahsildar and to Mark, Kim, Roger and Perry for their support and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Peshtigo Fire Department and/or the Marquette University School of Dentistry.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes - Holy Family Parish, 2735 Taylor St Marinette, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 am until the time of mass. Rev. Jack Harper will be the celebrant assisted by Deacon Peter Gard. Military honors will be accorded by the Twenty Year Veterans Honor Guard following the mass. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall after mass. Inurnment will take place in Peshtigo Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the Barrette family with service arrangements.