Mike McKenna

Michael "Mike" James McKenna, age 67, of Blakesburg, passed away at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City on September 14, 2014. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 4-7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at the Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, Iowa. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Michael was born November 3, 1946 in Elgin, IL to James and Marye Champlin McKenna. Mike grew up in Storm Lake, IA attending Saint Mary's Catholic schools. He graduated from Iowa State University with a major in farm operations and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. It was at Iowa State that he met Christine Latta and they married on April 18, 1970. They bought a farm and settled in Blakesburg, IA. Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was passionate about his family, farming and preserving the land for future generations. He served in the Army National Guard. He was employed by Doane and Hawkeye farm management companies and was a founding partner of Mid States Farm Management in Ottumwa, IA. He also worked as Wapello County's Iowa State Extension Director for several years. With the help of his sons, Mike raised hogs and farmed the land in Blakesburg for 30+ years. He was a gifted conversationalist and an avid listener of NPR radio programs. Michael and Christine were blessed with four sons; Matt (Sherri) McKenna of Kansas City, MO, Ryan (Sarah) McKenna of Kansas City, MO, Mark (Dana) McKenna of Ankeny, IA, Patrick (Jackie) McKenna of West Des Moines, IA and 9 wonderful grandchildren. In addition to his sons, Michael is also survived by his siblings Rosemarye (John) Rathke; Kathleen (Bruce) Osterman; Kevin (Jan) McKenna; Maureen (Brad) Strader; Stephen McKenna; Teresa (Brian) Caslavka and Melissa (Dennis) Fagan. He is also survived by his companion Betty Moore, who brightened his life in recent years. Preceding him in death were his loving wife of 39 years and his parents In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be directed to the Loving Shepard Food Pantry serving the tri-county area and Wapello County Youth 4-H program.

Mike McKenna

November 3, 1946 - September 14, 2014