Anna Nora Packard

Anna Nora Michiel Packard, age 90, of Eagle River passed away on December 14, 2022 at the Wausau Aspirus Hospice House.

She was born Anna Nora Windorff on December 17, 1931 to James Sr and Elizabeth (Check) Windorff. A midwife delivered Anna at home in a Milwaukee southside community called Tippecanoe at that time. Anna was the oldest daughter of ten children. Her family moved to West Allis, WI when she was a young girl. Since Anna was the eldest daughter she helped her mother with the younger children and did cleaning for doctors in Milwaukee to bring in extra money during the depression.

Anna graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1950. The following year she married Raymond F Michiel of Milwaukee on May 19, 1951. They lived in Milwaukee during their first years of marriage and then moved to Colgate WI. They had six children, Raymond Francis Jr, Cynthia Beth, Nicolet Ann, Louis James, Renee Paulette, and Perry Andre. During her time in Colgate Anna enjoyed the company of many relatives and friends. She enjoyed her family gatherings relative to such a large family, coffee klatches and playing cards with her lady friends. She loved the summer and took her children frequently to the beach at Freeze Lake were a Lifeguard was on duty. Anna did not swim but enjoyed soaking up the sun while reading one of her many favorite novels.

In 1968 Ray and Anna moved north to Kempster, WI where they had purchased a Bar, Grill, and Store. Along with it came a U.S. Post Office where the government rented space in their building. Anna went on to become the Postmaster of Kempster for over 25 yrs. When not working in the Post Office she was a bartender, made sandwiches, pizzas and numerous other goodies for the customers while also supporting the store. She was a hard worker throughout her life and very proud of her Postal career.

Her husband Raymond died in 1973. She remarried George T Packard and changed the business name Michiel's Bar, Grill and Store to Packards Corral. George and Anna welcomed a daughter into their lives, Georganna Marie. George died in 1986.

Anna so appreciated her postal customers and bar patrons. Many of which she formed friendships. The deer hunters enjoyed her famous turtle soup she made especially for them. She was also an avid cribbage player, teaching the game to those interested in learning how to play.

Anna always enjoyed watching sports whether it was with her children, grandchildren, professional or college. Her favorite team was the Green Bay Packers and she was devoted to watching them on TV or attending the games.

Lastly, Anna's family was everything to her along with her many lifelong friendships.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents James Sr and Elizabeth Windorff, her husbands Raymond Michiel and George Packard, son Raymond Quicksilver (Michiel), grandson Raymond Michiel and great granddaughter Jasmine Michiel. A brother James Windorff Jr and three sisters Pauline Goertz, Gloria Langfeldt, Betty Jane Ratz. Three brother in-laws Elmer Goertz, Jim Conklin and Slim Ratz and two sister in-laws Betty Anne Windorff and Rena Windorff.

Anna is survived by six children Cynthia Raith, Nicolet Michiel (Christopher) Stark, Louis (Linda) Michiel, Renee (Norman) Irish, Perry Michiel (Dawn Sparks), Georganna (Gigi) Packard. Thirteen Grandchildren Joseph (Ria) Hoff, Dr Todd (Jennifer) West, Christopher Raith, Samantha Raith, Tracy Michiel (Joseph) Stenke, Brenda (Steven) Visser, Jonathan (Tabitha) Irish, Michiel Irish (Chris Wilson), Kristine Irish (Mark Matthews), Ashley (Shane) Wilcox, Jerrad (Kayla) Michiel, Dr Taylor (Lance) Bruhl, Hope Wissbroecker and thirteen great grandchildren.

Further survived by sisters Elaine Conklin, Margie (Pete) Arendt, Marlene (Bil) Cordie and Ruth (Jim) Maze. One brother Fred Windorff. Beloved nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the angels at Wausau Aspirus Hospice House for taking such considerate care of Anna in her final days.

May she find eternal peace with the Lord Jesus and may the joy she brought to so many and memories stay in our lives forever.

A Catholic graveside service and burial with a celebration of life at the Kempster Lakeside Cemetery, for Anna will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:30 am. Luncheon to follow.

Memorials may be sent to family members of Anna, Wausau Aspirus Hospice House or Catholic Charities in her name.