
In Memory of Edmond C. Packee Sr.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Edmond C. Packee, Sr. He passed peacefully at his home on Lac Courte Oreilles surrounded by family. He was a life-long advocate for Lac Courte Oreilles and environmental sustainability. This passion was evident in all areas of his life- whether working in several National Parks in college, working in the forest industry at MacMillan-Bloedel on Vancouver Island, teaching at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, or the consulting work he did after retirement. Everything he did, he did with passion, integrity, and dedication.
Ed was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 8, 1940, to Blanche and Harry Packee. He spent his formative years in South Milwaukee with his three younger sisters and younger brother. A devout Catholic, he enjoyed streetcar rides to Immaculate Conception School with his sister, Carole. Later Ed attended St. John’s and finally graduated from Marquette University High School.
His life-long passion for forestry and the outdoors was sparked by his friendship with George LaBudde, who worked for the Milwaukee Lumber Exchange. He followed this passion to college and built a life dedicated to the healthy management of forests across the United States and Canada. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana in Missoula, a Master’s degree in Forestry from Yale and finally his Doctorate from the University of Minnesota in 1976. He worked for the National Park Service in Hayward before settling on the west coast on Vancouver Island.
In 1966, Ed married Judith Larson in Litchfield, Minnesota. Together, over more than 50 years, they raised four children. After spending 14 years on the island, he and Judi embarked on their next adventure and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska- where Ed taught Forest Management and Silviculture at the university until his retirement in 2007. He traveled the world to attend forestry seminars in China, Russia, and Scandinavia throughout his career. In 2020, Ed was recognized by the legislature of the State of Alaska- commending his work in advocating and advancing sound forest management and education throughout his time at UAF.
Ed and Judi raised their children to have a sense of adventure! Yearly travels from Alaska to his family’s summer home on Lac Courte Oreilles were the highlight of these adventures exploring the Alaska highway, visiting National Parks, and many different routes across the United States and Canada. He raised us to be brave- and to always seek out the most exciting and novel of paths- even if they weren’t always the easiest. The bravest thing we will now have to do is find ways to continue to invoke his spirit- without his physical presence to guide us.
In 2020, he married his second wife, Laurel, and continued their travels to Alaska to visit family and friends. He frequently encouraged others to travel throughout Alaska- specifically driving instead of flying to get the full experience.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Judi; his parents- Blanche and Harry; his younger brother, Jim; and his half-brother Harry John.
He is survived by his wife, Laurel of St. Paul; his sisters: Carole (John Becker) Mickschl, Janet (Jim) Kraklow, and Jeanne (J.C.) Snead: his children: Eddie (Lori) Packee of Fairbanks, AK, Anne (Troy) Will of Brandon, Manitoba, Jessica (Bond) Sutton of Hayward, WI, and Elise Packee also of Hayward, WI. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: James (Tiffany), Jayne (Brady), IvaLea (Dylan), Jimmy, Kyra, and Jordan and one great-grandson- Douglas, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. Francis Solanus Mission in Stone Lake on July 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Francis Solanus Mission, 13885 W Mission Rd, Stone Lake, Wisconsin 54876. Online condolences can be sent to edpackee@gmail.com.
Last Update: Jul 29, 2025 7:28 am CDT