John Owen McKenzie

John Owen McKenzie passed away, surrounded by his immediate family, on October 25, 2023.

John was born in Minneapolis, MN to Kenneth E. McKenzie and Ellen (Oakes) McKenzie on March 31, 1939.  He graduated from  DeLaSalle High School in 1957 and from Dunwoody College of Technology in 1963 with a degree in Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.  He was enlisted in the United States Army from January 1962-December of 1963.

John was joined in marriage to Diane Roske on September 25, 1965.  They had two children, Leah Marie and Mark Allen.  He was a wonderful husband and father, sharing the importance of hard work, family meals, financial independence, and “being a survivor.”

John was a loyal man-loyal to his family, friends, and the Pipefitters Union Local 539.  He was a member of that union for 58 years.  When driving through the Minneapolis area, he would point out each building he had worked on, tell you the people he worked on it with, and share the weather conditions that he endured while working on it. 

His time with family and friends was enjoyed, primarily, at the lake home on Lake Ida, in Alexandria, MN.  He enjoyed fishing in the mornings and evenings and tinkering, in the garage, in between.  He also spent time at “The Swamp”, 41 acres of land where he hunted, gardened and worked on his Allis-Chalmers tractors.  For the past 20+ years, he and Diane spent time in New Smyrna Beach, FL, in the early Spring, where they met many good friends.

John was rough on the outside but soft in the middle.  Those who knew his soft side best were his family members-his wife of 58 years, Diane, daughter Leah Heurung (John), and son Mark McKenzie.  Not least were his grandchildren, Audra, Aidan, and Blaine, who affectionately called him “Papa.”

John was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Ellen, sister Audrey, and brother, Kenneth Jr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.  Visitation will continue on Monday, October 30, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM.