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Strike Life Tributes

Isanti and Cambridge, Minnesota

In Memory of Kathleen Packer

Published

Kathleen PackerKathy Packer, age 68, of Isanti died January 9, 2012 at Cambridge Medical Center. Amemorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14,2012 at South Isanti Baptist Church inIsanti with Rev. Robert Venneman officiating. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be Isanti Union Cemetery.

Kathleen Ann Packer was born in Isanti on March 14, 1943 to Howard and Mildred (Eklund) Johnson. She was raised in rural Isanti and graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1961. Kathy married Gary Packer on December 9, 1961. They made their home in Isanti and she would live in Isanti her entire life. Kathy was a waitress at the Isanti Creamery Cafe for 32 years. She took great pride in her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kathleen was an avid NASCAR fan. She also enjoyed doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, reading and going to the cabin at Backus.

Kathleen Packer died on January 9, 2012 at Cambridge Medical Center at the age of 68 years, 9 months and 26 days.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Gary of Isanti; 4 children, Cindy Knapp of Isanti, Wendy (Todd) Rooney of Cambridge, Jody (Darrin) Rosnow of Isanti, Steven (Dolly) Packer of Cambridge; 8 grandchildren, Cara, Heather, Cati, Suzie, Michael, Cassandra, Justin and Cody; 3 great-grandchildren, Logan, Braden and Tristen; 2 brothers, Keith (Sandy) Johnson of Aitkin, Lowell (Linda) Johnson of Garrison; 1 sister, Linda (Paul) Mertes of Byron; and by many other relatives and friends.

Guestbook Entries:

  1. I am so sorry to hear of Kathys passing, I loved working with her at the Creamery Cafe, she was so fun, loving and very caring. She will be missed by anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. Take comfort in knowing she will always be with you. My mother passed away in November 2011 and I can feel her presense with me at times. Prayers are with all of you.

  3. Kathy served us breakfast for so many years and will always be a part of our fond memories. We’re so thankful for our Wednesday morning visits this past year. Kathy’s laughter and friendship will be missed.

    God be with you and grant you peace.

  4. My deepest sympathies on the passing of a wonderful woman. She was always so upbeat and had that special little giggle that I will always remember. May wonderful memories of her sustain you in the days/weeks/months ahead.

  5. Our sympathy for the loss of this wonderful woman. Every single memory of Kathy is her smiling and genuinely enjoying visiting with anyone she knows. Our hope is you all will find comfort in knowing she’ll be missed by many people. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.

  6. The hearts of many of the staff at the Creamery Crossing are broken. We have missed her since her “retirement.” We are so glad as many others were also whnen her health allowed her to come in for her favorite Swedish Pancakes. She was just always happy and brought sunshine into the care eiter as a customer or as an employee. The staff wants the family to know that we loved her very much and we all wish you strength during these difficult times.

  7. So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing,I know you will miss her terribly.

    My father was pastor at So. Isanti Baptist when she and I were born 2wks. apart. We moved when I was an infant, but came back to Cambridge when I was in 8th. grade and was fortunate to get to know KathyMy prayers are with you Lynn

  8. I first met Kathy in 4th grade @ dist.53 school. we attended the same church,hung ”may baskets”on friends,and went on to highschool& graduated together.She was head waitress @ the “creamery” when I managed there in the “80’s” and I got to enjoy knowing her again.She was a delight to be around, she was every one’s favorite waitress! She Will be missed.Our thoughts to Gary and family. Lyle&Dorothy Ranum

  9. Dear Gary and Family,

    I remember my dad always talked on how nice Kathy and the other waitresses were at the Creamery Cafe and how much he enjoyed going there. Kathy came to visit my dad just before he passed away and I know they are now reunited in Heaven once again. She will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family

  10. Kathy was a very special lady and I am forever thankful for the friendship she shared with my Mom, Shirley Lawrence! She is going to be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Gary and the family.

    Terry and Keith Thomas

  11. We are so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a great employee and an even better friend. When things seemed hard, she always had a wonderful smile and kind words for us. Kathy cared so much for the customers. She was so friendly …. just a great gal. It has been a pleasure to know her.

    God bless you. We know how much Kathy will be missed by family and friends.

    Steve and Marge Magnuson

  12. It was an honor to have known Kathy. We knew her from Cambridge High School, but came to know her better when we opened the Creamery Cafe. She made every day special for her customers, with her beautiful smile and her laughing at everyones jokes. She will be greatly missed by all the lives she has touched. Our sympathy and prayers go out to her family. Know that she was Loved.

  14. May God grant you all peace. When we heard that Kathy had passed away we were all sad…even my twins who are 13. She was one of those wonderful people and a dear friend. As one who was also a waitress, she set the standard for excellent service. Whenever I have blackberry jam and peanut butter I will think of her as she remembered they were my favorites. We have been blessed to know her.

    Heidi & Bruce & Family

  16. My dearest sister-in-law.

    I dont even know why I call you that because you were a sister to me. I always will remember the credit you gave me in my lifes journey. You helped me through so much. Kathy the world will not be the same with out you in it. Who’s gonna laugh at my dumb jokes and the dumb things I say at our gatherings. You and Gary have raise 4 wonderful children and they are going to miss you so much. Your smile and laughter will be silent, but I will still see and hear you from heaven. Love you so much sis, goodbye for now

  18. We are very sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. We send our prayers out for her family that you may find peace during this time. I am remembering how she used to take my son Corey to Princeton Speedway when he was younger, and I take comfort in knowing that he has one of the best angels ever up above as he now races his own car.

    Love to you all,

    Darold and Sharyl

  19. Dear Gary and family,

    When I think of Kathy, I just have to smile. She was a dear person and always a joy to be around. We are proud to have counted her as one of our friends. We are thinking of you all during this time of loss. But we know that she is now with others who love her as much as we do.

  20. The world has lost another wonderful person. It is always so hard to lose a loved one. She is with God now and you have an angel to watch over you. She will be truly missed. Love you all and am praying for you to make it through this terrible time.

  21. We are so sad to hear of the loss of Kathy. She always made our days start brighter at the Creamery and always made us feel like part of her Creamery family. We send our blessings to her family and friends as they grieve the loss of her.

  22. We are so sad about the loss of Kathy. She always made our days start brighter and was part of our Creamery family. We send our blessings to her family and friends who will miss her presence in their lives.

  23. We are so sad about the loss of Kathy…she always brightened our days and was part of our Creamery family. Our blessings to her family and friends as you miss her presence in your lives.

  25. I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She will be missed by many. So many loved her and would tease and she would right back.

    Her chuckle was great, and her smile.

    My deepest sympathy.

  26. Our Dearest Sister Kathy

    Words cannot express,

    What you mean to me,

    And now’s your opportunity,

    Your chance to be free

    You’ll never be alone Sis,

    I hope that you can see,

    Although you’re oh so far away,

    You’re always here with me

    I won’t believe you’re gone,

    I won’t accept it to be true,

    I won’t believe there is a future,

    That does not include you

    All of the things I never had a chance to tell you,

    All of the things you never had a chance to see,

    The only thing that remains,

    Is the memory of you and me

    I hope that you are watching,

    I hope that you can see,

    Each day I will do something,

    To make you proud of me.

    Even in weakness,

    Your strength did prevail,

    I learnt what family really is,

    And that love can never fail

    I know you fought so hard,

    And gave all you had to give,

    But the hardest part is knowing,

    You won’t be here for me

    I love you so much

    I hope that you knew,

    Until my heart stops beating,

    I’ll love and cherish you

    I love you, my dearest Sis,

    But now the end is nigh,

    So although my heart is breaking,

    I’ll have to say goodbye…………..

    Our love will carry on with you always. Keith and Sandy