Robert F McKenzie

Robert F. McKenzie, 87 of Bradford, IL passed away Saturday, December 31st at home He was born January 20, 1929 to Ryburn E. & Goldie (Rench) McKenzie in Peoria, IL. He graduated Valedictorian from Spalding Institute in Peoria in 1947 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University in 1951. He was a Korean War veteran. He married Marilyn Shoff January 2, 1954 at St. Mark''s Church in Peoria. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, daughter, Kathleen (Bruce) Pisel of Davenport, IA, son, James (Lisa) McKenzie of Pekin, IL, son, John (Jeanne) McKenzie of Wausau, WI, and one sister, Anita Pittman of Naples, FL; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Mary Jo Shipley and sister, Joanne O''Connor. Robert retired from W.R. Grace Fertilizer Co. in Henry, IL where he was assistant plant manager. He was involved in farming and agriculture his entire life. He was a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and served as a local 4-H leader in the community. He served St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford as a lecturer and caretaker of the church cemetery. He served as Bradford High School official scorekeeper and statistician for their athletic teams from 1976-2000. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a “Friend of the Game”. Robert was an avid sports fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears and enjoyed watching his grandchildren participating in their many athletic contests. The family would like to thank his caregivers from Lighthouse Home Care and the staff of Unitypoint Hospice.