Michael James McKenzie

Michael James McKenzie, age 75, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Friday, September 18, 2026, at his home while on hospice.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the columbarium at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM.

Michael James McKenzie was born January 27, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Dale and Agnes “Sally” (Kerkhoff) McKenzie. He grew up in Marion, South Dakota and graduated from Marion High School in 1969. He enlisted into the United States Army and served in the 2nd Armored Calvary for four years while stationed in Germany. He then attended Northern State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Business.

He married Janet Wingert on June 23, 1979, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After their marriage they lived in Huron, South Dakota for a short time and then moved to Pierre, South Dakota, where Michael worked for the Bureau of Personnel for the State of South Dakota. What he loved most about his job was administering the testing for the SD Highway Patrol candidates and promotions. After he retired from the state he worked for the Pierre Medical Clinic. They moved to Yankton, South Dakota in 2016, and operated a daycare out of their home, first for their grandchildren and then for friend’s children. Michael loved the daycare and the children that they cared for.

Michael was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and The Center in Yankton. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, affectionately known as “Appa”. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories and jokes. He was the baby whisperer and children were always drawn to Michael. He was always ready with a tootsie pop sucker to share with his special friends. He enjoyed working on his lawn and collecting T-shirts wherever he went.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of Yankton; three daughters: Katie (Tom) Harrell of Yankton; Jillian (Paul) Sheldon of Wessington Springs, South Dakota; and Miranda (Josh) DeSmet of Ivanhoe, Minnesota; seven grandchildren: Tommy, Eve, Hattie, and Mack Harrell; Brenley Sheldon and Kyson and Rowan DeSmet; two sisters: Carolyn (Ken) Norberg of Watertown, South Dakota and Pam (Ron) Hunnicutt of Grand Island, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews.

Michael is also survived by his special friends: Natalie, Watson and Parker Foos and Owen, Miles, and Oliver Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Sally McKenzie; brother, Jerry; sister-in-law, Carrol and nephew, Chad.

His family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for Michael, supported him, prayed for him, and surrounded him and the family with love during his final days.

Memorials can be made in Michael’s honor to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Sioux Falls VA Health Care Center or to The Yankton Area Senior Citizen Center at thecenteryankton.net/fundraising.