Howard M. Packard, age 90, former President of S.C. Johnson Wax, Racine, WI, passed away June 3, in sister Bay, WI. Born in Pasadena, CA June 16, 1910 and resided there until he entered Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He graduated in 1933 with a business degree and later received a law degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He was commissioned Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve at Northwestern and served in World War II. Packard started his business career working as an office boy at Marshall Field’s in Chicago. He was called to active duty in August 1941, serving as a Lt. Commander in the Finance Department of the U.S. Navy in Washington, DC. He arrived in Racine in 1946, to begin his 30 year career with S.C. Johnson Wax. He held several executive positions including the first International Vice President. He went on to become President, Director and Chairman of the company. His wife, Josephine, died in January 1985. They were married 49 years. They had four children, Joan (Larry) Lewis of Ephraim, WI, Barbara (Robert) Zieglar of Nauvoo, IL, Richard (Pamela) Packard of Stevens Point, WI and the late James Packard (1967); he leaves seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Todd) Winking of Chicago, Christopher Neavolls of Chicago, Kathleen Neavolls of New York City, Erica Briese of Shelton, WA, Joanne (Terje) Gjertsen of Chicago, William Packard of Chicago and Catherine Packard of Waukesha, WI; he leaves one great-grandchild, Chase Winking of Chicago. Packard was active in Racine community and civic affairs, such as the Boy Scouts, Rotary International, St. Luke Hospital, the Salvation Army and others. He served Northwestern University as President of the Alumni Association and as a Trustee. He was appointed to several commissions at the request of three Wisconsin Governors. After retirement, he was a director of many listed corporations, plus the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicogo. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 8th and Main Sts., Racine, WI on Friday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m. Contributions can be made to the Racine Community Foundation, Inc., the Josephine Farley Packard Fund. Arrangements by Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., Racine, WI. 262-634-7888
