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Kenneth F. Packer
1924 - 2018
Kenneth F. Packer
1924 - 2018
Obituary
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BORN
1924
DIED
2018
Kenneth Packer Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 30, 2019
May 30, 2019
I recently found out from a former colleague about Dr. Packer's passing last year and I too wish I could have been there in person to pay my respects.
When I was a new teacher, I was fortunate to be in the Packer Foundation's innovative and forward-thinking PRISM (Professional Resources for Industry, Science, and Mathematics) program that partnered science and math teachers with local businesses in a unique partnership that gave teachers a bigger picture of what our partners in industry and research do to bring back to our classrooms with practical lessons and units of instruction.
I was also fortunate to be part of the IMSP (Illinois Math and Science Partnership) Workshops, where we were tasked with planning and leading STEM workshops for Chicagoland area K-12 teachers and university professors using aviation as a vehicle to capture students' imaginations and interest in partnership between the Packer Foundation and the Illinois Aviation Museum.
For seven magical summers, I was fortunate to work with Dr. Ken and help teach the Packer Wings Aviation Camp, where students came for a week of discovery and wonder, learning the history, science, and art of aviation culminating in a test flight logged with the EAA Young Eagles program in his private Cessna aircraft behind the co-pilot's seat.
Clow International Airport's Hangar #3 was also the home of the first successful 100th anniversary recreation of the 1903 Wright Flyer built by the Wright Redux Association and proudly on display at the Museum of Science and Industry, where the engine was built by Packer's team of aerospace experts and the Wright Redux Flyer was successfully flown as an actual FAA-certified aircraft with real grass stains on the wings from its maiden flight!
For a taste of what we did at Hangar #3, here is the Packer Wings Aviation Camp Slideshow:
https://animoto.com/play/mSdWHpBcuXMAb04CQcT8zg
Ken was always generous with his time, vast and varied expertise, and passion for excellence in not only scientific practice and the world of business, but in giving back to our community through the internships, programs, partnerships, workshops, camps, and many other initiatives of the Packer Foundation. Through the seeds he planted and doors of opportunity he helped opened, his legacy will live on in the many lives of our students he helped inspire to pursue careers as teachers, engineers, and scientists to make our world a better and safer place.
Joseph Liaw, Naperville, IL
Nicholas DiGiovanni
March 23, 2019
I was involved in the Packer STEP program for 11 years. Dr. Packer influenced many teachers and students through the intern programs he established. He was very generous with his time, money and knowledge for so many students in D 203 and Aurora. I only yesterday (3/23/19) heard of his passing and am sorry that I could not express condolences in person. He was a wonderful man for education!
Duane Carlson
August 10, 2018
Dr. Packer was a tremendous mentor and influence on my career allowing me and my family many opportunities over 27 yrs.
Rest In Peace Ken,
Duane
Kent Brostrom
July 29, 2018
JIm,
Please accept my sympathies for your dad's passing. Very much regarding his tutelage and your photographic expertise in the '70's.
Sincerely,
Kent Brostrom
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Ted Reinhart
June 8, 2018
Never actually met Dr. Packer but went to school with his son Jim, at Ohio State, '75 to '77. I got to see the company once, summer of '77, an amazing business. Actually contracted with them to do some work for my employer (Boeing) back in '89, as we were running tests at a local tribology lab and needed SEM analysis support.
I was a friend to Dr. Bill Quist here who worked with Dr. packer on ASM business. He said Dr. Packer was a great guy to work with.
We need more go-getters like him!!
Ted Reinhart
Kent, WA
James Kohl
April 15, 2018
A Beloved Boilermaker Son has been Called Home to the Station... My Heart goes out to You. ❤
Charles Tschirhart
April 11, 2018
I was an intern in the STEP program at Dr. Packer's company, Packer Engineering. Packer Engineering was an exciting and interesting place to be, and I learned a lot from the instructors and engineers there. Dr. Packer's commitment to giving back to the community through the STEP program benefited me and many others, and I will always appreciate the impact he and his company had on my life.
Kenneth F Packer
April 9, 2018
Ken is in a much better place. May he rest in peace. I worked with Dr. Packer at Packer Engineering for 40 years. Dr. Packer made many contributions to society.
Charlotte A. Sartain
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44 South Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540
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