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Packer named ILA Resident of the Month

Lorraine Packer has been named Resident of the Month at Iola Living Assistance (ILA).

Lorraine was born in the town of Amherst to Pearl and Elmer Johnson. She had one sister and five brothers, and they all helped with chores on the farm. She attended grade school in Nelsonville and high school in Amherst.

In 1933, Lorraine married Claire Packer and they were married for 58 years until he passed away in 1991. The Packers farmed for many years and had eight children, two boys and six girls: Barbara, Evelyn, Richard, Peggy, twins Jean and Judy, Nancy and Gary. Gary passed away in 1990.

As the family kept growing, they moved from their farmhouse to a larger one they bought from Lorraine’s Aunt Belma.

In 1950, Lorraine worked at the Nelsonville restaurant and sometimes her husband would help her after he was done hauling milk and coal for Herbert Wolding. She was the head cook at Amherst Schools from 1972 to 1977. She also did the school census for many years.

She was very active in her church and taught Sunday school, singing in the choir and worked with the Ladies Aide.

Lorraine has 20 grandchildren and just had her 36th great-grandchild. She has 24 great-great-grandchildren. She enjoys living at ILA along with the wonderful meals and nice staff.

ILA Inc. is a nonprofit organization that operates the community-owned 50-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. In addition to this facility, they own and operate Butternut Ridge, an independent living apartment complex, and Living Oaks, a 24-unit assisted living facility. For more information, visit www.iolalivingassistance.org or call 715-445-2412.

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