Michael G McKenzie

Mike was born on October 26, 1933, in Castle Rock, Washington to George and Florence McKenzie. He had three sisters, Joan, Katharine, and Gail and two brothers James and Mark. Mike graduated from Tillamook Catholic High School and then continued his education at the University of Oregon, earning a degree in Business. He then began a 24 year career in the United States Air Force as an Air Weapons Staff Officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980.

In 1958, Mike met Janice Messerle while stationed in Coos Bay, Oregon. They were married one year later. Together, they lived in Germany and many states. In 1977, they settled in Colorado Springs, which had been their favorite posting. They had three children, Lisa, Susan, and Carol. Mike shared his love of the out of doors with his family and they spent summers hiking, fishing, and camping.

Mike enjoyed hunting and was an excellent skeet shooter. He also enjoyed wood-working. Mike liked to cook and was known for his delicious blueberry pancakes and waffles on Sunday mornings.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, George and Florence McKenzie, and his sister Joan Crall.

Mike is survived by his wife Janice; their children and spouses, Lisa, Susan, and Carol McKenzie, Calvin Lee, and Robert Vermillion; grandchildren Akayla and Rowan McKenzie-Park and Joel and Kyle Vermillion; and his siblings Katharine, James, and Mark McKenzie and Gail Eder.

A Memorial Mass will be held July 31st, 2025 at 10 am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colorado Springs with a reception immediately following. The interment will be 2:00 pm July 31st, 2025 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, or a charity of your choice in Mike’s Name.