Marlene Louise (Hellickson) McKenzie, (age 89), passed away peacefully at her home in Preston, MN, on Saturday October 22, 2022. With her was her granddaughter Samantha Livingood, her great-granddaughter Savannah Grace Livingood, her niece Dawn Hellickson-Nagel, and her daughter Traci McKenzie-Livingood.
Marlene was born to Hulda (Kohn) Hellickson and Arnold Hellickson on October 5, 1933, in Spring Valley, MN, and she grew up with her six brothers and one sister on the family farm in Ostrander. When Marlene was a teenager the family moved to Preston and she graduated from Preston High School in 1951. After high school she moved to MSP where she attended school, graduated and began working for an accounting firm in the Twin Cities. In 1953 she returned to Preston and began employment as secretary for Preston High School. After a few years, she switched positions to manage the financial/book-keeping aspects for the school district, which she continued for over 40 years until retirement. Marlene married Roger McKenzie on December 21, 1953, in Preston, where they lived and raised four children: Craig, Tami, Traci and Chad.
She was known for her loving, sweet spirit and helped to care for her parents and other family when needed. Marlene and Roger belonged to the United Methodist Church in Preston and over the years, she served on many committees, sang in the choir and enjoyed Bible study groups. She served in the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary, and was known for her cooking/baking talents. She really liked to travel and fly, play cards and host dinner parties. But perhaps her favorite hobby was dancing with Roger.
Marlene is survived by her children: Chad (Wilma Morris) Parker, AZ; Traci (Ken Livingood) Mabel, MN; and Tami Christianson, Preston; grandchildren: Brady Livingood, Mabel; Alyssa (David) Wray of Greenwood, MN; Carryn (George) Lund, Ann Arbor, MI.; Samantha Livingood, Mabel; Bryan Livingood (Lauren Wade) Alvord, TX; Jarad Christianson (Carol Saade) Breckenridge, CO.; Kyle (Denise) Livingood, Bristol, GA, and Heather Livingood, Tucson, AZ; great-grandchildren: Declan, Waylon and Ashton Livingood, Alvord; Elsie Lund, Ann Arbor; McKenzie and Sierra Livingood, Mabel; Nick and Mia Wray, Greenwood; and Savannah Grace Livingood, Mabel. Marlene is also survived by one brother, Richard (Dick) Hellickson, Preston; one brother-in-law, Charles McKenzie, Chatfield; and three sisters-in-law, Elaine Hellickson, Preston; Marlys Masterjohn, Winona; and Ursula McKenzie, Tuscaloosa, AL. Marlene adored her many nieces and nephews, as well as two double-nieces whom she loved like daughters, Rae (Alfred) Asleson of Charles City, IA; and Roxie (Ron) Foyt of New Brighton, MN.
Preceded in death by husband Roger, son Craig, granddaughter Savannah Jo Livingood, sister Ardith Ristau, brothers Don, Duane, Gerald, Bob, and Les, parents Arnold and Hulda Hellickson; and inlaws: Jack and Nellie (Ramaker) McKenzie, Neil McKenzie and LaVonne Hellickson.
Visitation will be Friday, December 23, 2022, from 1-2 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m., both at the United Methodist Church in Preston, MN, with Pastor Mark Woodward officiating.
Memorials/condolences: Family of Marlene McKenzie, 43643 County 34, Mabel, MN 55954. Chad, Traci and Tami will donate memorial gifts to things that were dear to Marlene.