Wesley James Paquette

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Wesley James Paquette was born in Kingsford, on May 4, 1929. He was the son of Otis and Clara (Borlee) Poquette. Wesley graduated from Kingsford High School in 1947. He worked for Tillie Mac before entering the Army in 1948. He fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1950. He was a life member of the VFW Post 9084 of Wakefield.

Wesley attended an apprenticeship at Oster Manufacturing in Racine, Wis. He then opened his own business in 1961, in Racine. He then moved that business to Hurley, Wis., in 1966, known as Aircraft Instruments. He then took an early retirement, due to health reasons. Wesley and Carol then moved to Lake Gogebic where they resided for 17 years, before moving to their current home in Wakefield.

Wesley was an avid hunter and loved to be in the woods. His favorite place to be was at the Ethelwood Lodge Camp where he loved to spend time making memories with his family.

In 1953, he married the love of his life and is survived by Carolyn (Duby) Paquette. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2018. He was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene Hirn. He is survived by his four children, Debra (James) Carey, James (Nanette) Paquette, Mary (Mark) Flood and Suzette (Terry) Fetters; nine grandchildren, Jesse (Rachael) Paquette, Joseph (Ashley) Paquette, Jonathan (Amy) Cvengros, Robert (Karleen) Cvengros, Thomas Cvengros, Angelina Flood, Danielle (Michael) Grayson, Andrew (Jaclyn Aijala) Fetters and Aaron Fetters; 10 great-grandchildren, Blaike and Reid Paquette, Carter and Callie Paquette, Jack and Nora Cvengros, Courtney, Caleb and Emma Grayson and Oakleigh Aijala; and a brother, Gale (Judy) Poquette.

A private funeral service will be held at Lakeside Memorial Chapel. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Wakefield VFW with full military honors. A luncheon will be provided following the military rites.