Patrick J. C. MacKenzie August 24, 1955 - March 24, 2019

PATRICK J. C. MACKENZIE, 63,
Of New Bremen, died peacefully at his residence at 5:10 P.M. on Sunday, March 24, 2019 after a long struggle with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer of the plasma cells. He was born on August 24, 1955 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Robert L. “Pete” and Catherine C. (Feren) MacKenzie who survive in Menifee, CA. On September 3, 2006, in St. Anthony, MN, he married his love, Jill Poppe, who survives in New Bremen. Also surviving are his daughter Sophia MacKenzie of New Bremen, who was the light of his life and motivation for fighting cancer for nine years, and his beloved step-children Madelynn (John) Kitlinski of Greensburg, IN, and Alexandra (Michael) DeGayner of Blaine, MN, his siblings Linda MacKenzie, Michael (Judy) MacKenzie, Maureen (Joe) Petty, Amy (John) Gelfo, and Jenifer (Mark) Cawthorne, along with many MacKenzie nieces and nephews, all of California. Also surviving are his Poppe family in-laws, Beverly Poppe of New Bremen, Barbara (Bill Faith) Poppe of Columbus, Kris (Susie) Poppe of Cameron NC, Elaine Poppe of Wapakoneta, Michael (Melissa) Smith of Wapakoneta, Susan (Terry) Stevens of Queenstown, New Zealand, Wayne Smith of New Knoxville, Casey (Missy) Crisp of Columbus, Jamie (Eric) Allen of New Albany, along with many Poppe nieces and nephews who live in Ohio, Virginia, and Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Poppe of Wapakoneta. He is survived by his devoted canine companion Henry, and preceded in death by his much loved canine companion, April May.

Pat was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, and previously a member of Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota, where he enjoyed lending a helping hand in providing food and special treats for various functions at the churches. He also enjoyed providing treats and snacks for Sophia’s various activities, her New Brighton Minnesota pre-school and New Bremen Elementary, or for anyone who was in need. Cooking and baking was a passion of Pat’s; he worked in catering in California, Minnesota and Ohio, and he owned and operated his own successful catering business, “MacKenzie & Friends Catering,” in Minnesota before his cancer diagnosis forced him to retire. When he was not in the kitchen, he could often be found at a hardware store, watching USC football or UCLA basketball on television, or competing in a barbeque rib or chili cook-off. Pat took first place at the 2009 Pine River American Legion Barbeque Cook Off. His favorite pastime was fishing, especially ice fishing in Minnesota with his friend Jack Dunn. Pat will be missed by his many friends, including his Minnesota childhood friend Dennis Ritchie and his Mission Viejo High School buddy, Mike Chelselka now of Cleveland. Spending time with family and friends was important to Pat, and after he became ill, he became a dedicated stay at home dad to Sophia. He will be remembered as a giving person, who was big kid at heart, a practical joker, and someone who never knew a stranger.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with Rev. Becky Erb Strang and Pastor Dee Schroer officiating. Calling Hours will be held two hours prior to the services at the church from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Pat can be made to assist the family and mailed to The MacKenzie Family C/O: Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, 225 W. Monroe Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869.