Meet the Makers:Robert & Rose Gaspard

Robert E. Gaspard, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, came from a family already known for manufacturing vestments and clerical garments for churches across Canada and the United States. In 1954, he brought that heritage to Wisconsin and opened The Robert Gaspard Co. in Milwaukee—personally visiting churches from Milwaukee to Chicago as the company’s first salesperson, while a small team produced garments with care and precision.

As demand grew, the business outgrew the home workspace and moved into a dedicated Milwaukee facility, where it operated for 21 years. In 1979, the company relocated to its long-time home in Brookfield, Wisconsin (200 N. Janacek Rd.). Robert was known not only for his high standards, but for the way he treated people—valuing loyalty, showing respect, and doing whatever it took to support his team, including arranging transportation for employees when commuting options were limited.

Robert’s wife, Rose, became an important part of the story as the company expanded. She began working at Gaspard in 1980, first in Customer Service—learning the full product line from catalogs Robert sent home with her—then moving into production to understand the craftsmanship behind every vestment and parament. Following orders through cutting, stencil, and appliqué, and beyond gave her a deep appreciation for the skill and attention to detail their artisans brought to each piece, and she later returned to customer service while also learning the company’s accounting processes.

After Robert passed away in 1991, Rose stepped in as President and led the company’s day-to-day operations until her retirement in 2004. Together, Robert and Rose built a reputation rooted in one guiding belief: quality is priceless. That commitment to exceptional materials, skilled artisans, and personal customer care remains the foundation of Gaspard’s legacy today.