David George Paquette was born on September 9, 1951, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the son of George and Mary (Cardin) Paquette. Proud of his French and Portuguese heritage, Dave spent his early years in Rhode Island, Vermont, Germany, and Massachusetts where his parents served in the U.S. State and Defense departments. His love of nature and animals, especially reptiles, permeated his young life in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and consumed his free time.
While seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, his gaze fell upon Rose Mary Reed. There it would remain. She was at his side during his Creighton Dental School years, his early dental practice in Big Lake, Minnesota, and their move to Luverne in 1980. Here in Luverne, Dr. Paquette served his patients for 36 years with his deft and gentle hands and his compassionate demeanor.
But with Dave, not all was work. As an avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, archery deer hunting, and most of all the fellowship of pheasant hunting with his friends, family, and golden retrievers.
Dave was a fanatical private pilot, even meticulously rebuilding his 1947 Aeronca Champ taildragger over the course of four years and flew the vivid yellow airplane over Rock County and far beyond.
Dave was also a voracious reader and remained dedicated to running and fitness most of his life.
As his three sons grew old enough to become interested in these and other pursuits, he guided them. And as they developed interest in sports, he whiled away countless hours at ball fields and ice rinks, reffing, coaching, and cheering them on. His quiet pride and deep love flowed unabated through their lives.
When Parkinson’s disease and dementia began to extract its toll physically and mentally, Dave drew his attention ever more closely to his family and nine young grandchildren. Their sparkling exuberance brought lights to his eyes and smiles to his face. His entire family was with him on January 8 when he took his last breath at home and returned to God.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Paul and Dennis.
He is survived by his beloved wife Rosie, his treasured sons and daughters-in-law Denis and Jessie, John and Erin, and Phillip and Paige; his indomitable grandchildren Mckinley, Kyndle, Savannah, Cadynce, Skylar, Teddy, Gage, Beau and Sonny; his special cousin-sister Kathy Devine; Jordyn Jeffers whose steadfast companionship to Dave and Rosie over the past six years was indispensable; and his many devoted relatives and friends. They already miss him. A lot. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Burial will follow the service at St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery in Luverne.
To view an online obituary or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com