Russell M Paquette

Retired Col. Russell M. Paquette died on Saturday September 19 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. He was born on April 29, 1918 in Cadillac, MI to Herman and Ethel (nee Rossell) Paquette. Marine Col. Paquette served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He participated in the battles of Roi-Namur, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on Saipan and was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with combat "V". After WWII, while serving in the Reserve, Russell comanded the Michigan Batallian and was called back to duty during the Korean War. He retired as a Colonel in 1972. Mr. Paquette was an assistant Dean at Wayne University Law School for five years and a practicing attorney for sixty four years. He was also employed by the Veterans Administration for 27 years retiring as District Counsel. He was a past president of the Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, past chairman of the probate section of the State Bar. Russell participated in numerous local organizations including the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC), Detroit Boat Club, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (Michigan representative). He was a member and administrator of the Knights of Olde. As an attorney for the VA, Mr. Paquette succesfully prosecuted G.I. loan fraud cases in Federal Court, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Russell leaves behind his wife Isabella. He was proud of his daughters Denise Bohac (Richard), Jeannine Sumners (Philip) and Renee Lubaway (Matthew). He was predeceased by his son John (Terry). He adored his grandchildren Christopher, David, Patrick, Michael, Angela, Molly, Katie, Kenneth, Steven, Andrew, and Jason; and great grandchildren Brandon, Mikaela, Abrianna, and Ashton. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-9 pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home 20705 Mack Ave, at Vernier Rd., Grosse Pointe Woods. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Mr. Paquette will lie instate on Thursday from 9:30 am until time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 am at St Joan of Arc Church 21620 Greater Mack, St Clair Shores. Reverend Gerry Bernier will officiate. The Mass will conclude with Military Honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 121 S. Saint Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314 www.marine-scholars.org.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236