Trending
KINGSFORD -- Helen E. McKenzie, 91, of Kingsford, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Evergreen Meadows Assisted Living in Norway.
She was born on Dec.10, 1934, in Manistique, daughter of the late Albert and Marie (Schneider) Fiebernitz. Helen graduated from Manistique High School in 1953 and was always extremely proud to have been crowned Homecoming queen. On Oct. 22, 1955, she married Richard McKenzie at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique.
Helen lived in the Ford Addition of Kingsford for over 50 years, where she loved Friday night Flivvers football and listening to the Flivvers marching band. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church and volunteered for over 20 years at St. Vincent de Paul in Iron Mountain and at the Dickinson County Hospital. She enjoyed golfing, but more than anything, she loved socializing at Pine Grove Country Club, where she spent over 50 years making memories and friendships.
If you knew Helen, you were never surprised to hear her say "blah, blah, blah" or call someone in her family "hoity-toity," always with a smile on her face. Those little sayings were simply Helen being Helen, and they are memories her family will cherish forever. She always had a way of saying what was on her mind in her own special way, and you always knew where you stood with her and, most of all, how much you meant to her. Her wisdom, love, and guidance will never be forgotten. Helen especially loved having family and friends in her home, and her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved most.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Richard; her daughter, Cathy McKenzie-Cattell of Middleton, Wis.; three grandchildren, Tori Benson of Middleton, Ryan Bray of Iron Mountain, and Jason (Theresa) Bray of Lodi, Wis.; and her pride and joy, her two great-grandchildren, Sophie Benson and Miles Bray. She is also survived by her very special friends, Connie Jacobson and Bill Bertoldi, who were always there to help and care for Helen whenever she needed anything.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her two beloved daughters, Tammy McKenzie and Debbie Bray.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Meadows for providing Helen with such wonderful care, kindness and compassion.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford, with Father Mike Woempner offering the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
There is no safer place to be than in God's loving hands. My wife, our mother, our grandmother is safe now.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Helen McKenzie online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.