Jerome Frank Packer

Jerome Frank Packer,78, of Wood River, NE died on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

He was born on August 5, 1945, in Grand Island, NE to Otho and Rosa (Opp) Packer. He was raised on the family farm south of Wood River, and he attended school in Wood River.

Jerome was united in marriage to Nancy Maret on November 26, 1966, at the United Methodist Church in Wood River, NE. To this union were born 3 sons—Gary, Alan, and Michael. Jerome was very proud of his little family.

He was employed at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant from 1966 to 1973. He started Packer Concrete and Masonry in 1975. Jerome and his wife, Nancy, started Pack’s Pups Kennel in 1986 which they were still operating at the time of his death.

One of the best moments of his life was when his granddaughter Ashley Rose was born in 2002. She brought so much joy and happiness to him.

Jerome was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island and was baptized in that church as an infant.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Packer; sons: Gary Packer and Alan (Martha) Packer of Wood River; granddaughter, Ashley of Cairo; sister, Carolyn Olson of Elm Creek; sister-in-law, Joyce Packer of Wood River; as well as many nieces and nephews that he had many wonderful memories of.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents; youngest son, Michael Packer; sister, Barbara Herter and her husband, Dale; brother, Rollin Packer; and his grandparents.