Thomas John Packard, age 80, of Somerset, WI, passed away on November 2, 2023 at home with family by his side. Thomas was born on June 2, 1943 to parents Rollin and Carine (Carlson) Packard. Tom grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from DeLasalle High School. He continued his education at St. John’s University and St. Cloud and he earned his bachelor’s degree in both math and physics. After graduation from St. John’s, Tom spent two years serving in the Peace Corps teaching math and physics to high school students in Ghana, Africa. Tom then spent one year teaching math and physics at South High School in Minneapolis before joining 3M as a mechanical engineer for 40 years. He developed many products earning numerous patents and awards including, significant Littmann Stethoscope technology advances.

Tom married Joy Durant on September 23, 1983 and together raised their family of three children. Tom loved his family more than anything else and he loved being a grandpa. Some of Tom’s biggest attributes were his intelligence, his problem-solving skills, and his good sense of humor. He spent much of his free time flying and building a 6-passenger float airplane. He also loved fishing, hiking, swimming, water skiing, ski diving, scuba diving and watching the sunset. He also managed to dedicate many years volunteering for the Aging & Disability Resource Center delivering meals on wheels, transporting folks to dialysis and companionship for an elderly WWII veteran fighter pilot. Later in life Tom reconnected to his faith which brought him a lot of peace and he also took part in Bible study.

Tom will remain in the hearts of his wife Joy; children Jason (Melinda) Packard, Leigh (Jarrid) Harrell-Gohs, Keli (Wes) Matsch; grandchildren Ashton, Julia, Sevrin, Wyatt, Walker, Hoyt, Averi, and Hendrix; great grandchild on the way, Braxton; brother James; brother-in-law Dave Jasper and numerous nieces & nephews

He is proceeded in death by his parents Rollin and Carine Packard; brother Robert (Sally) Packard, sister Sharon Jasper, and sister-in-law Mary Packard.

A celebration of life for Tom will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. with a service starting at 11 a.m. Memorials are preferred to the family. The family would also like to give a special thank you to the Lakeview Hospice team for the exceptional care they provided Thomas in the last few weeks.