Obituary
Patrick Richard McKenzie
Patrick Richard McKenzie, age 61, our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2024. He was born on May 20, 1963 in Rapid City, South Dakota to David and Marian McKenzie. He graduated from Aquinas High School and went on to get a degree from Western Technical College.
Pat began his career in sales at Sunland Sanitary Supply in Colorado, went on to work for Betco in Iowa, and then Team Distributing in Wisconsin. For the last 15 years he worked and found his passion for sales at Hartland Lubricant and Chemical where he enjoyed all of his coworkers and customers.
Of all the lives he touched, one of his greatest achievements was marrying the love of his life Linda on October 19, 1985. During their 38 years of marriage they moved to Colorado where they welcomed their three children. They later moved to Iowa and then eventually returned to La Crosse to be closer to family and friends. Family was the cornerstone of his joy and he cherished every opportunity to get together.
Outside of his family and work, Pat was highly active throughout his entire life. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, being on the river, and snowmobiling. One of his biggest passions in life was getting to know everyone he crossed paths with. This included spending time with his numerous friends that he valued like family.
Pat was a combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and his legacy will continue to shine through those who loved him.
He is survived by his wife: Linda (Karis) McKenzie; Children: Erin (Drew) McKenzie of Onalaska, Samuel (Elizabeth) McKenzie of Bangor, and Kyle (Nicole) McKenzie of La Crosse; Grandchildren: Bennett, Juniper, Henry, and Delaney; Siblings: Michael (Jennifer) McKenzie, Maureen (Roy) Stintzi, John (Laurie) McKenzie, Matt McKenzie, and Colleen (John) Daines. As well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law: Deborah McKenzie and Ann Schilling; brother-in-law: Mitch Hildman; and his in-laws: Sy and Mary Karis.
We cannot begin to express the amount of gratitude our family has for everyone who helped us and reached out during Patrick’s brave battle with cancer. We couldn’t have made it through this difficult time without all of you.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 30th at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 515 Main St. N., Holmen at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior. A luncheon will follow services. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
The family would like to extend a thank you to all of the staff at Mayo and Mayo Hospice for all the care Pat received over the last 6 months.
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Go Vikings!
Linda and Family-We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat was a one-of-a-kind person that has left so many wonderful memories in our hearts. We love you all. Dave, Becky & Family
It was an honor and privilege of knowing you, Pat this is Joe Welter with New Horizons cooperative. You are more than a salesman. You are a good friend. Love you brother rest in peace.
We are so saddened by the loss of Pat. Take comfort in knowing that he will always be with you, guiding you from his heavenly home.
Love, Kathy (Garvalia) and Greg Curti
Our hearts are broken 💔 we love you McKenzies!
Love, Rob and Di
Wow I am so sorry for your loss Hugs and Prayers to your whole family. I remember him rooting for the Vikings watching the Packer Viking game in the garage on county B. He will be missed but Not Forgotten
Linda,
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ryan & Jill Roesler
Linda and Family,
I am truly honored to have known Pat and called him my friend. He was definitely one of the great humans to have lived on this earth. I send peace to all of you and may you find comfort in the memories.
Love and hugs,
Gretchen Caron
Pat was my salesman for several years at my business in Richland Center, but he always seemed more like a friend. We always had something to talk about when he stopped in whether it was fishing or my Packers winning over his beloved Vikings. We will for sure miss visiting with him as we have missed him over the last few months
The Turtle (Tony) and I send our sympathies to your family for your loss. Hold onto the memories.
There are no words adequate at a time of such profound loss of an amazing family man and friend to everyone he met. Pat’s legacy of love, laughter and family values will live on in ALL those left behind to mourn his loss. Memories are a gift from God so we will continue to share and cherish the many special memories we collectively have of Pat. Love and hugs for Linda and ALL of Pat’s loving family. 💔🙏🤗❤️
Love you, brother. ☘️
Sending love to the McKenzie family. Pat was one of the best. He could be funny, sincere, helpful, and supportive all at one time. He was a good friend and will truly be missed.
❤️Jim and Kathy Redalen
“When someone you love moves on from you it feels like your ship has sailed while you are still standing at the docks.”
We are so saddened to hear about Pat. So many good memories from the wrestling days. Thinking and praying for you all, wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
What a special man. Worked with him many years ago in the old Schmidty days. The whole McKenzie family was a joy to be around. So very sorry. Rest in Peace Pat. Hugs to all❤️
Linda, I am unable to be with you in person to celebrate Pat. I will raise up his name in prayer and thanks. For he was a gift and a beautiful soul. His spirit of kindness and love will truly live on in his family and friends. God Bless you all.
God Bless Pat.
John and family ,so sorry for your loss I know how it is to louse a brother. My prayers are with you and family through all of this , thinking about all of you Jim clark and family
My sincere condolences to Pat’s family. It was obvious to anyone that knew him that his family meant the world to him.
Pat was such a great person. I loved his personality and always appreciated the energy he brought into a room.
He will be missed.
Maurine and Roy,
We are truely sorry for your loss. With many hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Wishing you and your family strength and peace.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Linda.
Very sorry for you loss. I enjoyed talking with Pat, we always had a common interests
So sorry for your loss. While I knew Pat for only a short time, we had a great time together. He was a joy (and a laugh) to be around.
Linda So very sorry for your loss! Thinking of you and your family!
Love cousin Karen & Tony
So sorry for your lost! I got to know Pat snowmobiling up north! Great guy and will be missed by all! Dennis J
Hugs to the McKenzie Families❤️We just welcomed Pat into our lives at Killian & Stephanie’s wedding. He gave a beautiful speech and you could feel the love, affection and inclusion he had for all the families and the happy couple. Later, we enjoyed his skill on the foosball table, and his fun personality! He will be greatly missed by all! Rest in Peace Pat.
My heartfelt condolences to the McKenzie family, and my thanks to Mike for keeping me updated. Patrick always spoke so highly of you all, and I can’t imagine the pain of losing him. Please know that you will remain in my prayers.
Blessings,