Mary B. McKenzie

Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, Minnesota 55355 Phone: 320-693-8151 Fax: 320-693-2465 Mary B. McKenzie, age 79, of Litchfield, died on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at the Emmanuel Nursing Home in Litchfield, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, October 25, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor J. David Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in Lake Ripley Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Emmanuel Home and Alzheimers Association. Mary Bergett McKenzie the daughter of John and Hilma (Paulson) Trongard was born the eighth of nine children, on August 27, 1931 in Sacred Heart, MN. She grew up and received her education in Sacred Heart, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949. Mary was united in marriage to Elwood McKenzie in Sacred Heart, MN on October 9, 1949. Together they were blessed with five children. Mary was a nurses aide at the Bethany Home and the Emmanuel Home in Litchfield and later became the activities director, where she was a caregiver for over 20 years. Mary was called to care for others. She touched the lives of many families through her activities work at Emmanuel Home and Stephen Ministry counselor. Mary donned many outrageous hats and costumes and was willing to risk embarrassment to enrich the lives and bring happiness to the residents she cared so deeply for. At Zion Lutheran Church, she was active in Sunday School, the youth choir, and Vacation Bible School. Mary was first and foremost Swede's devoted loving wife. She was the 'biggest fan' at her children's and grandchildren's sporting and school events and enjoyed attending all of the activities that she could. She will be remembered as a hockey mom, a teacher, a wonderful cook and for her puppet ministry. Mary had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed gardening, canning and playing piano. The coffee pot was always on at her house for family and friends and she was known for finding misplaced items and keeping things in order. Mary was recognized for her outstanding service to the residents of Augustana Homes in 1979. She was the 1987 Lions Club Citizen of the Year. Mary is survived by her children, Kathryn (and Leif) Anderson of Litchfield, Melodie (and Dan Moore) McKenzie of Jensen Beach, FL, John McKenzie of Litchfield, Robert (and Susan) McKenzie of Brooklyn Center and Thomas (and Brenda) McKenzie of Minneapolis. She is also survived by grandchildren, Trent (and Lisa) Anderson, Meggann (and Alex) Carlson and Hunter and Hayden Ellis; great grandchildren, Kimberlie and Elise. She is preceded in death by her husband Elwood (Swede); parents John and Hilma; and other family members.Previous Events Visitation Sunday, October 24, 2010 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, October 25, 2010 11:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church 504 North Gilman Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, October 25, 2010 12:00 PM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355