William “Bill” Packer
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 9, 2016 @ 1:12 pm In 2016,Obituaries | 17 Comments
William Edward Packer was a devoted husband and father. He died on Friday, November 4, 2016 at his home in Ocala, Florida. Bill was formerly of Prior Lake, MN.
All of William’s services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. The visitation will be Sunday, November 13, from 2-5 pm and Monday, November 14 starting at 10 am, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Jean Breeggemann will lead the service. Burial will be at Spring Lake Cemetery, where William will rest with his beloved parents. Memorials are preferred to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
William was born on August 29, 1960 in Missouri Valley, Iowa to John (Jack) and Charlotte (Petersen) Packer. The youngest of five children, Bill grew up on Prior Lake with his siblings, Cindy, John, Barbara and Denise, yet used every opportunity he could to enjoy the Florida ocean with his family. A member of the Prior Lake High School swim team, he was a proud graduate of the Class of 1979.
Bill was a man of many talents and passions. Like his father; he was a pilot, a sailor, a business owner, and an outdoor enthusiast. Bill received his pilot’s license at the age of 16, and flew his seaplane over Prior Lake for countless years. Bill joyfully volunteered with the National Eagle Scout Association, flying with young aspiring pilots and educating them about helicopters. He was the co-owner of Scott Rice Telephone Company, founded by his father, Jack Packer.
Through mutual friends, Bill was introduced to Shelley Scott. They soon fell in love and on July 9, 1983 at his parent’s home on Prior Lake, Bill and Shelley declared their love to each other. They were blessed with two precious children, Brianna and William Ernest. As a family, they relished sailing, fishing and exploring the Bahamas by sea. Just like he did when he was young.
Bill loved to fish, and took pride in guiding many deep-sea fishing trips with his family and friends. But, above all, he was a great teacher, and the most gentle-hearted man. Family was his life. Bill gave them the best life and the best experiences possible.
Forever loved, Bill will be forever missed by wife, Shelley Packer; his children, Brianna and William Ernest Packer; his sisters, Cindy, Barbara, and Denise; his brother, John Packer, and many friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Bill home in heaven was his parents, Jack and Charlotte Packer, and his long time best friend, Chuck Busse.
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Deepest sympathy for your family. Sending prayers for comfort at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies and condolences the family. I grew up in Prior Lake and so remember him and his plane on the lake! That big smile of his will forever be remembered. May he find forever peace in his next journey in life. RIP
Bill was like a member of our family growing up Lords Island, you never saw Chuck without Billy by his side., We were saddened to hear the news of his passing and know that Chuck was there to show him the ropes. Our prayers go out to all his family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and I loved seeing all his awesome pictures on Facebook. The class of 79 will miss him greatly. God bless you.
Kimberly Wahl class of 79
Shelley you know how sad and shocked Mike and I are. You also know as I told you earlier how much support you and the kids have from Prior Lake people. I will always remember the boat ride Billy and you and a few couples took with Jack’s boat on Prior Lake. Everything was going great. We were having so much fun and then the guys started talking to Billy about eating some bad KFC up at the boundary waters trip. The guys were getting very graphic. While the guys were all laughing, I was feeling sicker as they went on. I begged them to stop but they continued. I ended up hurling all over the side of Jack’s boat. Went back the next day to clean up my mess and Billy had already taken care of it. No teasing from him or anything. I was so grateful. He was a true gentlemen. Hope this memory gave you a little laugh.
May you find sunshine, warmth, fair winds, and a following sea…
Shelley…You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Bill. I know that there is little to be said that can console you, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time.
I am truly saddened by Bill’s passing. Bill was childhood friend that I spent many hours and days with from the time we were tots through high school.
My father told me the story of when I first met Bill just before his passing. Our first meeting was when the Packer family lived in a small home behind the Phone Company. I was surprised to learn the family ever lived someplace other than the home on the lake that I always knew. I do have fond memories of being at the lake home and some late night discussions with Bill and his father during some cold winter nights by the fire of the lower family room. Other memories with Bill include fun in that orange Flivver boat. We would swap the 18hp motor on it with the 25hp that was on parent’s boat and run that thing up and down the lake all day long. We spent a lot of time together as children and had a lot of fun.
If there is anything that I can do to help the family in this trying time, please do not hesitate to call on me. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan Sullivan
Thank You Dan for sharing such great memories, I can picture it well.
Shelley, you know that Chuck will show Bill the way. So many times the 4 of us spent together, both in Prior Lake and in the Florida Keys! Some truly great memories. My thoughts are with you and looking forward to our time together in December!
Beautiful written obituary, I went to school with bill, and recently reconnected through facebook . Thoughts and prayers go out to bill and family
So sorry to hear this sad news. Bill and I grew up together on Martinson’s island. I was also in the class of 79. I remember long summer days turning into night playing baseball in the cul-de-sac, hide and seek, jumping on the Konga’s trampoline, and swimming out to the tower, all the neighborhood kids playing together. So sorry for your loss.
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. I am honored and blessed to have known and worked with Bill. He was truly a blessing to the aviation community and the lives of many. My condolences to you and your family!
We were heartbroken to learn about our Ocala neighbor Bill’s death. May he rests in peace. Condolences to the whole family.
Dear Shelley
So very sad to hear this. I know the ache you’re feeling, though Bud lived a far longer time. Please lean on me if you’d like. Please feel free to come to Vero Beach and escape anytime you’d like. My heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. With very deepest condolences,
Mary Schmidt
Shelley , I’m sure you don’t remember me, but I live at 215 13th and fished many, many times with Bill, Harry and John. I know you’ve heard this many times in the last several days, but we have been hard felt to express our shock to hear of Bill’s passing. Fishing down here will never be the same. Bill was someone we always felt safe and secure with. He was always a friend and mentor to me. I can’t imagine the what you and your children are now going through. Please accept my condolences and the thoughts and prayers of all who knew and loved Bill in the KCB fishing community.
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Beautiful obituary, written so well. The picture is pure Bill. A life cut way too soon.
You’re all in our hearts.
The Jones Mooers Family