Obituary of Wayne Odell Packingham

Loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend 

 

Wayne Odell Packingham, 86, of Duluth, MN, passed away in his sleep Thursday March 20th at Hilltop Healthcare. 

 

Wayne was born in Toronto, SD on March 4^th, 1939, to Ronayne and Gilma (Sommervold) Packingham as the third of six brothers. After many relocations, the family settled in Duluth, MN during Wayne’s elementary school years. The brothers fondly recounted stories of their mischief and fun-filled childhood. 

 

After graduating high school, Wayne enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served our country faithfully. He married Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Patricia (Bodin) Packingham on August 19^th, 1961. Wayne was exceptionally creative and enjoyed home design and lighting, vinyl records, collecting pottery, storytelling and jokes, frequenting Bridgeman’s for breakfast, walking in the Miller Hill Mall daily, and spending time with his cherished family and friends. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary Kay; two brothers, Ronald and Donald Packingham; and his beloved wife, Kathy. 

 

Survivors include his son, Mark Wayne Packingham; granddaughters, Lauren Packingham, Jessica and Michelle Ecklind; brothers Gordy, Richard ‘Dick’, and Ronayne ‘Junior’ Packingham; extended family, which includes last names of Dianoski, Ecklind, LaFave, Papas, Solem, and Staples; and countless friends. 

 

Wayne will be remembered for his immense kindness to every living person or animal he crossed paths with. He had a special way of connecting with and entertaining people in the most unexpected ways, no matter race, sex or age. 

 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.