Arnold W. McKenzie of St. Croix Falls died Feb. 13, 2024, at the Christian Community Home in Osceola. He was 94.
Arnold was born July 7, 1929, in Balsam Lake, the son of Edward and Evelyn (Weed) McKenzie.
In July of 1950, he enlisted at 21 with the United States Navy and became a welder for the Seabees based out of Port Hueneme, Calif. His proudest moment was playing baseball while in the service. He earned the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Korean War.
After leaving the military, he started working in the insurance industry as an adjuster which eventually led to meeting his wife, Mary. On July 23, 1966, he married Mary J. Carlson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They both worked in the insurance industry until 1974 when they moved to Arnold’s parents’ farm across from Deer Lake in Balsam Lake Township.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward, and Evelyn; his wife, Mary; and daughter, Susan Wolter.
He is survived by his granddaughter, Rachel (Joseph) Yates; great-grandson, Colin Manninen; great-granddaughter, Gabryelle Manninen; and, many loving relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Spring interment will be at Balsam Lake Cemetery.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.
If you would like to share an obituary of a loved one to be listed here, please contact the Navy Seabee Foundation at info@seabee.org.