CAMBRIDGE - Robert Packard, age 72, of Cambridge, died Monday, August 25, 2003, at his home under the loving care of his family, the spiritual guidance of Pastor Kevin McKenney, Dimitre Dimitrov (caregiver), and the fabulous care of the Rainbow Hospice Staff.

Robert was born in Oconomowoc, WI, October 13, 1930, the son of Charles Packard and Margarette (Ewell) Packard. He graduated from Cambridge H.S. in 1948. He attended Beloit College after H.S. and decided to work for his father in the painting business, Charles Packard and Son Painting. He worked for his father until the late 1980's and bought the business from his father, changing the name of the business from Charles Packard and Son Painting to Packard Painting.

He served in the U.S. Army from March 5, 1951 till February 16, 1953. He was then transferred to the Army Reserve from February 17, 1953 to February 1, 1957. He received the Korean Service Medal W/2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and Army Occupational Medal (Japan). He completed his boot camp at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD and his most significant assignment was Co A 27th Ordinance Battalion, APO 201, 1st Calvary Division in Korea during the Korean War.

On April 27, 1957, Robert married Gerry Jean Palmer at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Ferguson, MO. They met on a blind date through mutual friends, Mr. & Mrs. Bud Byrd. She preceeded him in death on May 1, 2002.

Robert was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cambridge. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, woodworking, watching H.S. sports and the Packers. He loved the Cambridge Community and was highly active in various organizations. He became a member of the Cambridge Foundation in 1948 and later served on the Board of Directors. In 1978, he became a volunteer EMT on the Cambridge EMS. He held various positions during his tenure. He retired in 1992 after 14 years of service and 558 rescue calls. Surviving are his children, Judy Lynn Packard, Reston, VA; Janet (Barry) Benson, Cambridge; Richard (Judy Ann) Packard, Cambridge; four grandchildren, Alyssa Benson, Palm Harbor, FL; Christopher Benson, Menomonie, WI; Sarah Packard, Sun Prairie, WI; CJ Packard, Cambridge, WI; sister and brother in-law, Margaret Ann (James) Richards, Mounds, IL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, August 30, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Cambridge. The Rev. Kevin McKenney will officiate. Burial will be in Lake Ripley Cemetery, Town of Oakland. Friends may call Friday, August 29th, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at NITARDY FUNERAL HOME, Cambridge and at the Church an hour prior to the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson, Cambridge EMS, and Cambridge Foundation.