In Memory of Kathleen McKenzie

Kathleen McKenzie, age 77, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Select Specialty Hospital of Omaha, Nebraska.  

Services will be planned for a later date.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Kathleen Margaret Mary McKenzie, the daughter of Gertrude M. (Wagner) and Patrick V. Doherty, Sr., was born on December 27, 1948, in Adrian, Minnesota. She grew up in the Ellsworth, Minnesota, area and received her education from Ellsworth High School. She then furthered her education at a local community college. 

On August 17, 1974, Kathleen was united in marriage to Jerry Bernard McKenzie. They lived in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, area for a few years before making their forever home in Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1976. The couple was blessed with twin daughters, Stacey and Trudy.

After moving to Ida Grove, Kathleen worked for various restaurants and at HeadStart in Battle Creek, Iowa. In 1989, Kathleen began her 20-year career at Horn Memorial Hospital, most recently serving as a Unit Coordinator until retiring in 2009. She truly enjoyed her time at Horn and formed many lasting friendships along the way. 

In her free time Kathleen enjoyed crocheting, crafting items for the Horn Bazaar, sewing clothing for her daughters, making doll clothes, and baking/cooking. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Kathleen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 51 years, Jerry McKenzie of Ida Grove, IA; daughters Stacey McKenzie of Ida Grove, IA and Trudy McKenzie of Des Moines, IA; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; brothers John (Susan) Doherty and Tracy (Lisa) Doherty; sister Joanne Ostrom; sisters-in-law Geneva Doherty, Dee Doherty, Deb (Dennis) Clausen, and Pat Price; nieces, nephews, extended family, work family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gertrude and Patrick Doherty, Sr.; brothers Michael, Dennis, and Patrick; brothers-in-law Bill Ostrum and Gene Price; in-laws O.B. “Mac” and Leona McKenzie.