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.
