Michael (Mike) McKenzie, 78, of Plymouth, WI passed away at Banner Heart Hospital in
Mesa, AZ, on March 10 after complications of a heart valve replacement and COVID.
Born on April 11, 1946, in Mauston, WI, Mike was the youngest child of Douglas and
Elizabeth (Vincent) McKenzie. He grew up in the Union Center and Wonewoc. He
graduated from Wonewoc-Center high school in 1964 and attended UW Stevens Point
until the death of his father. Mike returned home and operated the Gamble store along
with his mother, Libby. Later, it became McKenzie Hardware Hank.
In 1974, Mike married Patricia (Patti) Bacha in Wonewoc at St. Jerome Catholic Church.
They lived in Wonewoc for many years raising two children, Scott and Laura. Born with
a sincere interest in people, a good ear, and the gift of gab, Mike was able to grow the
business. He ran the hardware store for more than 25 years. During that time, he
served the community as an EMT and a volunteer firefighter. He was also an active
member of the Wonewoc Business Association and served on the Hillsboro Hospital
Board. He was devoted to his church, family, and community.
In 1990 Mike took the opportunity to study finance. After becoming a broker, Mike
liquidated his hardware business, sold his home, and moved his family to Plymouth, WI
to begin a new career. Building relationships came easy for Mike. He was
approachable, and compassionate and knew how hard people can work for their money.
Mike continued to help people with their finances until he retired and sold his business,
McKenzie Financial Services, in 2012.
During his time in Plymouth, Mike was active in the Lions Club. He attended meetings,
worked at fundraising, and was instrumental in vision screening elementary children,
and those younger. He won numerous Lion’s awards, including the Melvin Jones award.
Mike belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the MANO golf league,
and the Tuesday golf league.
Mike enjoyed trips to Madison to see his children at college. He loved tailgating and
attending Badger football games. He took many fishing trips with the guys to Canada,
deer hunting at the Popple River camp, and traveling WI and AZ to visit friends and
family.
Mike’s grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, and Preston brought him great joy. He spent time
in Ohio, at boy scout camps and the soccer fields, and at the table playing rounds of
euchre. He was a happy guy who made those around him laugh. Mike was proud of his
children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
After retirement, Mike spent his winters in Sunland Village East in Mesa, AZ. There he
continued golfing with family and friends and with league members, reading good
books, traveling, watching sports events, especially the Badgers and Packers, and
telling a good story over a beer.
He is survived by his wife, Patti, his two children, Scott (Lynne) of Lima, OH, and Laura,
(Colin) of Litchfield Park, AZ, three grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, and Preston
McKenzie, all of Lima, OH, his older brother Jim McKenzie of Mauston, WI, sisters-in-
law, Judy Bacha, Jayne Bacha, Kelli (Ron) Karpinski, and brother, Dave (Sharon)
Bacha. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from
1:00-4:00 PM, with a prayer service and celebration of life to follow at 4:00 PM. Fr. Subi
Thomas will officiate.
A memorial mass will be held Saturday, May 17, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 528
Center Street, Wonewoc, WI 53968 starting at 10 with Rev. Bauer officiating. Inurnment
will follow at Pine Eden Cemetery. Afterwards, family and friends will gather for lunch to
celebrate Mike’s life at the Wonewoc Legion Hall.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Wonewoc or Plymouth Lions Club,
Wonewoc Legion Hall, Wonewoc Library, Plymouth Art Center, or the catholic
churches—St. Jerome in Wonewoc, or St. John the Baptist in Plymouth in memory of
Mike.
Mike led a full life, and he will be greatly missed.
A special “thank you” to Sam Suchon for all he has done to help us, and to the Suchon
Funeral Home.
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