February 17, 2021 at 4:31 p.m.
Robert R. Paquet
Robert R. Paquet
Robert was born in Detroit, Mich. on June 1, 1936, to Roland J. and Marion C. (Schmidt) Paquet. He was raised in Detroit and graduated from high school in 1954. He received a scholarship from the University of Detroit for participating in Track and Field. Bob excelled in hurdles, setting a record that lasted for many years. After a year of college, he moved to California to experience West Coast life. He began his career working for ITT in Nevada for eight years. It was during this time that he met his future wife Nancy on a blind date in Las Vegas. The couple were married three months later at the Little White Chapel on Sept. 6, 1965. The couple remained in Las Vegas for five years. They then moved to Jackson, Tenn. where Bob continued his employment with ITT for five years. They then moved to Chicago for one year before moving to Rhinelander in 1977. Bob was then employed with the Rhinelander Telephone Company beginning as a switchman and retiring in 1992 as the superintendent.
Bob was a past member of a pool league and was a member of the Rhinelander Kiwanis. In his free time Bob enjoyed woodworking, golf, horseracing, especially attending the Breeders Cup which was held on the grounds of the Kentucky Derby.
He also enjoyed traveling with Nancy and through work, was able to travel to Saudi Arabia. Casino trips to Las Vegas, Carson City and Reno to play Blackjack were also his favorites. He enjoyed watching sports and loved watching the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Red Wings.
Bob will be remembered for his infectious laugh, smile and his love of life.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Nancy; children: Deetra Klesh of Detroit, William Penca of Rhinelander, Rouleen (John) Gartner of Sioux City, Iowa and daughter-in-law Mardell Penca of Rhinelander; six grandchildren: Michael (Lauren) Klesh, Amanda (Chris) Hilgendorf, Ty (Hannah) Penca, Elizabeth (Michael) Baclig and Larissa and Breanna Gartner. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Marc Penca, and a sister, Elaine (Louis) Smith.
The visitation for Bob will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at the Hildebrand Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. memorial service. Chaplain John Uhlarik will officiate.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, please enter the funeral home on Davenport Street, and as you leave you will be directed to exit through the doors of the funeral home on Pelham Street. When arriving hands will be sanitized, and for the safety of the family and the Rhinelander community. The wearing of masks and social distancing will be required.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home and Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.
Comments:
You must login to comment.