David "Dave" McKenzy

David "Dave" McKenzy, age 88 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 25, 2025. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave.; St. Paul Park, MN. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 1000 Portland Ave.; St Paul Park, MN with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment in Cottage Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove, MN following the service with a luncheon at the church after burial.

David was born in Mason City, IA to Lela Mae Kleindl (Rynearson) and Howard P McKenzy on January 13, 1937. He graduated from Winnebago High School in 1955 and the University of Minnesota – Mankato with a bachelors degree in Management of Administrative Services in 1964. He served in the US Airforce and reached the rank of Airman first class. He served in places such as Taipai, Taiwan and Okinawa Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1962, due to the untimely death of his father. On September 7, 1964, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Laura Wellbrock, at St Peter Lutheran Church, St Peter, MN. They were married for 41 years until her passing in 2005.

Davids attention to detail made him a very successful accountant. He worked as a truck driver when he got out of the service driving his father’s gravel truck; Minnesota Mining in St. Paul MN in Accounting and Payroll; Goodyear Tire and Rubber company as a Store Manager, Training Center Manager, and Area District Manager; Washington County Public Works as a Contract and Budget Specialist.

He enjoyed camping, golfing, fishing, playing cards, reading, watching ANY sport, traveling to his cabin in Aitkin MN, spending time with his family and serving our Lord. He was a lifelong Vikings and MN Twins fan and avid sports enthusiast. David was a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and where he enjoyed not only worshiping but serving our Lord and Savior. He served in many roles while with the church including treasurer and on several committees.

David loved his family. He had two girls, Kathy and Michelle. The girls where always a big part of his life and he loved teaching them the importance of always being a good person and helping others. He had two sons-in-law that loved him dearly, coincidentally both named Scott. David also had 5 grandsons: Andy, Nick, Tyler, Cody, and Joshua. They were the apple of his eye. He also had one great granddaughter, Hadley Mae Chernisky and a sister Phyllis Starrett.

He enjoyed visiting with folks and always had a fish story to share about the big one. He had an infectious personality and was able to charm folks into doing things for him. We used to say he could “sell ocean front property in Arizona”. He had a love of cars and owned many over his lifetime.

David will be sorely missed by all who crossed his path. We know someday we will see him again. Until then we know he is at peace riding with the angels and soaring on heavens wings.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.