Jacquelynn "Jaqi" L. Packa

Jacquelynn "Jaqi" Lee Packa, age 64, of Chisholm, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Duluth, MN.

Jaqi was born on November 5, 1961, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Jackie "Jack" and Ramona "Mona" (Heineman) Kaufman. She grew up alongside her older sister, two younger brothers, and foster siblings. Childhood winters were for Indiana, but summers meant road trips to Wisconsin and the Iron Range to cause trouble with her "sibling-cousins." Those who knew Jaqi as a kid could tell you she never really changed. She was a tomboy through and through (but could get all dolled up when she wanted to), got herself promptly kicked out of ballet, and had her siblings’ backs no matter what. Her family eventually packed up and moved to Hibbing in 1978.

After high school, she married Mike Packa and started a family in Cherry, MN. They then moved to the Twin Cities where she spent years bartending at an Irish pub, famously landing on the front page of the newspaper dressed as a leprechaun, dubbed the “lucky leprechaun” at a Twins World Series game and earning herself an official “Jaqi Packa Day” declaration from the governor of Minnesota. She didn’t do anything half-way!

In 1989, she traded Minnesota winters for the sandy beaches in Maui, Hawaii. Her years on the island were fueled by pure zest for life. Weekends were for beach volleyball on Makena, camping trips to La Perouse and Hana, and making friends out of absolutely everyone—from her favorite barista to her coworkers at the Four Seasons, cruise ship crew mates, and neighbors who quickly became family. She loved life with her whole heart, and she lived it out loud.

Once her kids graduated and migrated back to the "mainland," Jaqi followed her heart home to the Iron Range in 2005. She lived in Hibbing and then in Nashwauk with her second husband Dan. She ultimately found her own sanctuary in Chisholm: a tiny yellow house on the corner. She fixed it up with her own two hands, tearing down walls and dragging in help to build her dream.

In 2006, Jaqi joined Northwest Airlines (now Delta) in Chisholm, building a legendary career that spanned exactly three days shy of 20 years. Words cannot capture her impact as a mentor, peer, and leader. She genuinely loved her work, her coworkers, and even the exceptionally crabby people who called to complain about the weather. Her excellence was cemented in 2016 when she was honored as a Chairman’s Club member—a prestigious lifetime achievement award given to just 100 employees company-wide annually. Jaqi also poured her heart into Delta’s “Pink Team,” organizing events, silent auctions, and whipping up batches of her famous homemade chocolates to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Outside of work, Jaqi was a whirlwind of energy. She traveled constantly to spoil her grandkids or cheer them on at events. She loved gardening, meeting new people, and cooking enough food to feed an army just so she could deliver double meals to the people she loved. She was an extraordinary baker, but her absolute favorite kitchen ingredient was her grandchildren.

Family was her gravity, and if you were her friend, you were automatically drafted into the family. Jaqi was fiercely loyal, unwaveringly honest, and armed with a quick wit and unmatched sarcasm. She was the daughter who protected her parents, the sister who would beat up anyone who dared mess with her siblings, the mom who loved her kids to the ends of the earth, and the grandmother who spoiled her grandkids absolutely rotten. You only had to meet her once to know you were part of her tribe.

She will be forever remembered for her passion, her infectious laughter, her loyalty, her brutal honesty (even when you definitely didn't want to hear it), that dang tongue that always slipped out in photos, and the permanent twinkle in her eye. She may be gone, but she will walk beside us every day—reminding us to love fiercely, show up for each other, and live life to the absolute fullest.

Jaqi is survived by her children, Brandon (Lucie) Packa, and Kari (Brian) Boehmer; siblings, Lori Kaufman, Charlie Kaufman, and Richard Kaufman; and her beloved grandchildren, Ella Boehmer, Michael Boehmer, and Jaxson Packa. She also leaves behind a large, loving network of cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather to share stories, laugh, and celebrate the amazing mark Jaqi left on this world. Location TBD. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to direct donations to Delta’s Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Make sure to mention your donation is in memory of Jaqi Packa. https://give.bcrf.org/campaign/team-delta-2026/c793307