Obituary of Roderick George McKenzie, Sr.

Roderick George McKenzie, 100, of Duluth, passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

He was born in Duluth, Minnesota on December 10, 1917 to George and Beatrice (Beglinger) McKenzie.

He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Central High School. After high school, he worked for First American National Bank until enlisting in the Navy in August of 1940. He was one of the few remaining men from Duluth to be trained on the USS Paducah. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945.

On January 27, 1944, while on active duty, Rod married Barbara Lillian Swanstrom in Norfolk, VA. They were married for 71 years until her passing in 2015. When he returned from the war, he and his cousin built a home in Wascott, WI which he and Barbara lived in for a short period of time. This became their summer home for many years.

Rod worked for several companies during his career including Western Electric, Coolerator, and NW National Life Insurance. He owned and operated the Commercial Employment Agency for many years until his retirement in 1982. He served as President of both the Optimists club and the Administrative Management Society. He was also a 32 degree Mason, a Shriner with the AAD Temple, and a member of the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association. He and Barbara were active members of Glen Avon Presbyterian church for many years.

Upon retirement, he and Barbara moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida for 17 years. Their summers were always spent at their lake home in Wascott. In 1999 they moved back to Duluth to be closer to family.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George McKenzie, and his wife Barbara. He is survived by his children, Roderick G. McKenzie, Jr. and Jill Winkler. He is also survived by his grand-children, Michelle (Jason Gillem) McKenzie, Kristine McKenzie, Melissa Winkler (Dave Chrysler), Erica (Tony) Medure, and Kevin (Layna) Winkler. Six great-grandchildren, Zachary and Mara Gillem. Jackson and Isabella Medure, and Noah and Caleb Winkler.

We would like to thank the Benedictine Living Community for the excellent care given to Rod over the last 8 years.

Gathering of family and friends will be held from 2 PM until the 3 PM Memorial service on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN. Interment will be held in the spring.

If so desired, memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.

Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200.