The funeral service for Gary Packer of Wadena will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at Wadena Alliance Church. Visitation will be at the church on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. everyone is invited to a time of prayer and sharing. Visitation will resume at the church Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until service.
In the care of his loving family and Knute Nelson Hospice, Gary, 62, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 3, 2022 after a battle with brain cancer.
Gary Joe Packer was born to Lloyd and Edna (Bowden) Packer on May 31, 1959 in Moorhead, MN. The family lived in Barnesville until he was in third grade when they moved to Moorhead where Gary graduated in 1977. Gary met Brenda Quanbeck through his sister while he was managing Mrs. Blow’s sewing center. They married on February 9, 1985. They were blessed with Meagan (1988) and Madison (born in China in 2004), and later welcomed son-in-law Adam (2008). Gary’s greatest desire was to live his life in service to his Lord. He served faithfully in Roseau Evangelical Covenant and Wadena Alliance churches. He sang on worship teams, served on boards, led the sound team, and coordinated Sunday school for many years. He found joy in sowing early seeds of faith in the hearts of children. He was a faithful servant of his Saviour.
Gary’s work experiences began with restoration, appliance repair and car refinishing, to name a few. In 1990 he decided to change his life drastically and went to college to become an X-ray technologist. He graduated with an associate degree from UofM-Crookston in 1993, at the top of his class and received the Mallinckrodt Achievement Award. Gary worked for the Roseau area hospital for six years. He then moved the family to Wadena in 2000 to work for Tri-County Health Care in radiology and also became the PACS administrator until the fall of 2020. Gary also had Gary’s Sewing Machine Service & Repair as a side job working from his home via Hometown Crafts. He loved the challenge of being able to fix things. Gary loved hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. He loved nature, gardening and being surrounded by God’s creations. He enjoyed traveling with his family, making memories, and was happiest being by the lake. His greatest joy was being with his wife, daughters and son-in-law more than anything else! He was very proud of his children and enjoyed going to all the events he could.
Preceding Gary in death were his parents, Lloyd and Edna; in-laws Dale and Darlene Quanbeck; and several unborn children. Gary’s memories will be cherished by his devoted wife, Brenda; daughters, Meagan (Adam) Voll of West Fargo, ND and Madison Packer of Wadena.
Honorary bearers will be staff of the Tri-County Healthcare Radiology Department (past and present). The porters will be Adam and Meagan Voll, Madison Packer, Jim Ash, Dick Grefe, Vince Hinojos, Brian McKenna and Dave Nelson.
Interment will take place at a later date at New Luther Valley Cemetery, McVille, ND.
Arrangements are with Schuller Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Wadena, MN. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)
