Michael Paquette

Michael Edmond Paquette, 57 of Cabery passed quicker than expected and peacefully in his sleep on Thursday night, July 11, 2013. He was born on October 11, 1955 in Kankakee to Edmond and Donna (Cotton) Paquette.

Michael suffered a very quick battle with cancer. He has reached his eternal reward with Jesus now.

He leaves behind his loving wife Jolene (Ploszay) Paquette. His two children of whom he was so proud, Nicholas (15) and Katie (13), his parents Edmond and Donna, his sister Janet and nephew Stefan Paquette, brothers in-law Brian (Beth) Ploszay of Woodbury, MN, Mark Ploszay of Holmen, WI, niece and nephew Annie and Aaron Ploszay, special “sister-in-law” Linda Murray-Stollenwerk, special “niece” Daniella and “nephew” Chris. Michael McGrath Bishop will greatly miss his “Grampie” Mike and was known as his “special” grandson. A few aunts, uncles, and cousins survive and many friends especially his career center “family” and Bassett neighbors.

Preceding Mike in death were his grandparents Leah (Boucher) and Alfred Paquette, Helen (Taylor) and Elmo Cotton, infant nephew Christopher Paquette, his in-laws Tony and JoAnne (Klatt) Ploszay, “special” niece Mia Stollenwerk and many aunts and uncles.

Mike went to work at age 13 detailing cars to help his parents out. He started at the Kankakee Area Career Center part-time and at age 19 was made the head custodian/maintenance person. This year marked his 36th year in that position. It was at the career center that he met Jolene. He was the procurer of supplies and did not understand all that child care “stuff” she needed so Bill Brierly-then director sent Mike shopping with Jolene. On one trip they needed to use the school truck and ran out of gas. As they say, the rest is history…

Mike and Jolene were married on October 7, 1995 in Amery, WI. They enjoyed many trips throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and especially enjoyed their honeymoon in Hawaii.

Mike was an avid Chicago Bears fan and liked the Cubs. This made sports very interesting at home as Jolene and Katie are Packer fans and Nick is a Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots fan! There was never a dull moment! His favorite teams however were the Tri-Point Raiders and Tri-Point Chargers. His son Nicholas played as a 7th and 8th grade basketball Raider. Mike was so proud of his sports talent and wished he would play in high school as a Charger. Mike liked the Chicago Cubs, enjoyed the outdoors, science fiction movies, James Bond movies and many other movies especially sports themed or westerns. He loved John Wayne movies! His favorite past-time was being silly with his daughter Katie whom he was also so proud of. She was definitely his princess.

Mike’s passion however, was his family. He loved his wife and children so much and was a great provider. During his illness he voiced many times how worried he was that they would all be okay and taken care of.

Mike was a man of few words and great service. He was a very dedicated, hard worker. Ask anyone from the career center and they’ll tell you that was HIS building! He will be missed profoundly.

Services for Michael E. Paquette will be handled by Schreffler Funeral Home in Herscher/Kankakee. A visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 with the funeral being at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 both at Herscher Christian Church. Pastor Tyson Graber will be officiating. Pastor Scott Henley from Asbury United Methodist Church will also say a few words of prayer and inspiration. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery just east of Cabery, IL.

Memorials may be made to the family, to Herscher Christian Church Youth Fund, Kankakee Area Career Center, or Asbury Child Care Center where Jolene is the director.