In Memory of Leona M. McKenzie

Leona M. McKenzie, age 93, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., with a Visitation held one-hour prior from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard A. Salcido will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Leona Mae Riley, daughter of Leon and Betty Riley, was born on April 29, 1928, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was baptized at Holy Angels Church, grew up in Omaha and attended Holy Ghost School and Omaha South High School.

On April 21, 1950, Leona was united in marriage to O.B. “Mac” McKenzie in Omaha, Nebraska. They lived a short time in Sioux City before moving to Moville. In June 1971 they moved back to Sioux City until retiring in 1981 and then they moved to Ida Grove. Leona and Mac became confirmed members of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove in December 1982. 

In Leona’s teen years she worked as a waitress at various restaurants in Omaha and then later worked at Kuzie’s Café in Moville. She always said her most important work was that of a housewife and mother and she was thankful that Mac had lots of sisters that were good cooks and were able to teach her the “how to’s”. When their kids were out of high school and Leona and Mac had moved back to Sioux City, she was employed by Zenith Radio Corp. until retiring.   Leona and Mac enjoyed traveling to the east and west coasts and made regular trips to Denver, Colorado, to visit family. When not visiting relatives, they enjoyed camping and fishing at Little Spirit Lake in Minnesota and Black Hawk Lake in Lake View, Iowa. 

She loved attending grandkids and great grandkids activities when she was able. She also enjoyed reading and visiting with her neighbors or anyone walking by. Mac passed away in 2004 and in 2013 Leona moved to Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Ida Grove and treasured the new friendships that were made there. Due to declining health, Leona moved to Willow Dale Wellness Village in February 2021.

Those left to cherish her memory are children: Michael McKenzie of Fuguay Varina, NC; Deborah (Dennis) Clausen and Jerry (Kathy) McKenzie all of Ida Grove, IA and Patricia (Gene) Price of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren: Derrick (Dayle) Clausen, Trudy McKenzie, Stacey McKenzie, Russell McKenzie, Raymond McKenzie, Faye (Tim) Haggar; 15 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters: Gerri Leto and Catherine Demitruk; and two brothers: Leo Riley and John (Sue) Riley; sister-in-law Eliner Schroder; and many nieces and nephews. 

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, O.B. “Mac” McKenzie; sister Peggy Bock; and eight of Mac’s sisters and his five brothers.  

Memorials in Leona’s name may be directed to the Horn Hospice of Ida Grove, IA or St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, IA.