Marilyn J. Packard

WESTBY Marilyn J. Packard, age 73 of Westby, died Wednesday May 24, 2017. Marilyn Joyce Packard, age 73 of Westby, died Wednesday May 24, 2017 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. Marilyn was born in Viroqua to Herman and Mary Ann (Larson) Brendum on March 12, 1944. She was a graduate of Westby High School, Class of 62. After a short period of time working for Gundersen Health Care she packed up and moved to sunny California. It was there she found love and soon married Rodell Packard in LaHabre on October 1, 1966. After years in California they moved back to the Westby area and bought a house in 1989. Rodell passed away after 28 years of marriage on August 4, 1994. Both in California and back in Wisconsin, Marilyn found joy in entertaining by opening up her home, and hosting holiday parties, catering special celebrations like showers and the like. Whatever the occasion she loved doing the cooking herself, for she was a super cook with a phenomenal cookbook collection. Marilyn also never forgot a milestone no matter how trivial; birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc. she made sure to always stay in touch with cards a phone call or an answering machine message. She was detail oriented, extremely well organized and meticulous in everything she was involved with. Once back in the Westby area, Marilyn found a passion working for the Westby Historical Society where she served on the board in many capacities. Later she enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with girlfriends. One trip included going to Chicago where they were guests on the Oprah Winphrey Show. She often said that her friendships were so very, very important. Marilyn is survived today by: her stepchildren Jackie (Jim) Day, and Richae Thraser, a daughter-in-law Carol (the late Richard) Packard, her brother Marv Brendum of Cashton, her sister Gloria (John Sonny) Graupe of Cashton and six nieces, Julie (Dan) Nerison, Janine (Troy) Morey, Jennifer (Wade) Johnson, Megan (Michael) Smith, Melissa (Josh) Bell and Marcia Brendum as well as eleven grandchildren, seven grand-nieces and nephews, 18 great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. She is still survived by her dear close friends, Carol Running, Charlene Vangen, Mary Stockstad, Shirley Larson and Judy Hebel. She was preceded in death by: her parents, her husband Rodell, and stepchildren Rodell Jr., and Richard Packard and Marla Buck. Also preceding her were her other buddies Ardy Sloane, and Hjordis Helgestad. Funeral services for Marilyn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, (Highway 14 S.) in Westby. Pastor Daniel Wollman will officiate with burial to follow in Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call during a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.