Ronald M. Payette

Ronald M. Payette, 73, Howard, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010. He was born in Two Rivers on December 20, 1936, a son of the late Leo J. and Vietta Mae (Thompson) Payette. Ron was a 1954 graduate of Washington High School in Two Rivers. He completed his undergraduate studies at UW-La Crosse, and attended graduate school at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Ronald married Patricia Lesperance in Two Rivers on June 15, 1963. They spent the early years of their marriage in Indiana and Illinois. In 1972, they came back home to the Green Bay-De Pere area to raise their son. Ron had been an independent financial planner with Crispigna, Payette, Rhodes Johnson of Green Bay. Teaching was his passion, whether it be instructing students in the classroom or educating clients regarding their finances. Ron had a great love of the water. He had been a champion swimmer as a member and captain of the swim teams at Washington High, the YMCA, and at UW-La Crosse. He also greatly enjoyed sailing for 30 years on the Bay of Green Bay and on Lake Michigan. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Patty; their son, Kevin (Heather) Payette, Hobart; granddaughters, Alexis and Natalie; one brother, Wayne (Mary) Payette, Orland Park, IL; brothers-in-law, Stephen (Sara) Lesperance, Mishicot, and Timothy (Sandra) Lesperance, Lake Mills; and his faithful canine companion, Bunzo. Ronald was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Aria; and a brother, Dennis Payette. Ron and Patty were so blessed with rare and special friendships over the years, especially Donald and Lynn Gadzinski, Richard and Judith Slocum, and Terry and Gail Blohowiak. Family and friends may call Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of Mass at St. John the Baptist Parish, 2597 Glendale Ave., Green Bay. Memorial Mass will be celebrated 2:00 p.m. Saturday at church, with the Rev. John Bergstadt officiating. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend their warm gratitude to all the friends that surrounded them during this journey, and to Unity Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.