Virgil Eldon McKenzie passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 86.
He was born In LaGrange County Indiana on July 12, 1937, the son of the late Henry Emmet McKenzie and Ethel Mae (Deter) McKenzie.
Virgil was an avid outdoorsman. He pro-Bass fished on the Michigan state circuit for 11 years. He was a member of the Gun Lake Area Gun Club and the Kalamazoo Rod and Gun Club. He looked forward to deer camp each year with his son John. Virgil worked at several Chrysler dealerships and retired from Rossman Automotive in 2004. Never one to sit still, Virgil then began working with his son at Stan’s Yard and Sport in Gobles, MI. Virgil was the face of Stan’s for many years and continued to help, cutting cardboard for recycling up until last year. He married the love of his life, Karen Sue (Hale) McKenzie, September 3, 1995. Their first date was spent fishing, over the years they spent many hours together in the boat enjoying the outdoors and each other.
Virgil is survived by his wife Sue McKenzie of 28 years. Seven children, Doug McKenzie of Indiana, Becky (Clay) Dark of Paw Paw, Michigan, John (Cathy) McKenzie of Colon, Michigan, Gary McKenzie of Sturgis, Michigan, Tina (Bob) Geering of Montrose, Colorado, Mike (Tonya) Lemmons of Bradenton, Florida, Stan (Erica) Lemmons of Gobles, Michigan, brother-in-law Bill Hale of Bradenton, Florida, sister-in-law, Jessie Hale (Pete Holbach) of Muskegon, Michigan. Virgil has 57 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death Brother Daryl Larry McKenzie, Mother-in-Law Alice Hale, Great granddaughters, Ruby Sunshine Dark and Ayla Bea Marie Six (Tuff Cupcake).
Virgil will be greatly missed by his family and community.
The family will be hosting a memorial service officiated by Pastor Josh Odell (Journey Family Church) will be held in Virgil’s honor June 1, 2024, from 1-3pm at Stan’s Yard & Sport, 215 S. State St., Gobles, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, in remembrance of Virgil’s life and love, cards/donations may be made to his wife Sue McKenzie.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, June 1, 2024
1:00PM – 3:00PM
Stan’s Yard and Sports
215 S. State Street Gobles, MI 49055
Posted On: Friday, May 17, 2024 4:17 PM
