Virgil Eugene McKenzie, 85, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away November 15, 2011, at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg, Idaho. He was born October 8, 1926 at Eureka, Montana; Virgil was the son of Guy and Elizabeth McKenzie.
Virgil moved to the Silver Valley with his family at the age of two. He attended and graduated from the Kellogg High School of Kellogg, Idaho in 1944. After graduating, Virgil joined the U.S Army Air Corp as a cadet and served during WW II. During his time in the service, he attended the Montana State University to further his education.
Virgil married Mary Pucci on November 30, 1944 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg.
After serving for our country, Virgil returned to Kellogg and started working at the Bunker Hill Mining Company. Virgil started working at the Bunker Hill Smelter; he then became the front line supervisor for the refinery area. Virgil then pursued studying engineering through correspondence courses. Virgil then served as a designing/mechanical engineer for the Bunker. He was instrumental in designing several Bunker Hill buildings, as well as, he helped in the building of the smoke stacks. Virgil retired in 1981. He then served as an insurance agent for several years.
Virgil was a member of the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg, Idaho and had served as a fourth degree knight of the Knights of Columbus. He had served on the committee to build the new catholic church of today and had served as financial director of St. Rita’s. Virgil and Mary were a vital part, to the care of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and its Priests. He was also a member and past exalted ruler of the Kellogg Elks #1841; he had also served as District Deputy of the Elks and as State President of the Elks. Virgil was also a member of the Wardner/Kellogg Masonic Lodge.
Virgil loved and enjoyed his family, fly fishing, camping, the outdoors, the fine arts of carpentry and helping people.
Virgil is survived by his beloved wife Mary McKenzie of sixty-six years of the family home of Kellogg, Idaho; two children Dennis McKenzie of Kellogg, Idaho and Annita McKenzie of Kellogg, Idaho; one Grandchild Tristin Bosworth of Lakewood, Colorado; one sister Vivian Sipila of Osburn, Idaho; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law Filomana Pucci.
A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg; a Celebration Mass will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg with Father Tom Loucks serving as celebrant. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Church Parish Hall following services.
The Family suggests that memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus, St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 27 Kellogg Ave. Kellogg, Idaho 83837.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
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Virgil was such a wonderful guy. I will miss him. I'm really glad to have known him. -- Mike Peacock
Mary, We were so sorry to hear of Virgil's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We will be praying for you and your family. -- Bob and Cheryl Dumont
Garda and I send our most sincere sympathy to you Mary and the rest of your family. Virgil was a wonderful caring person. He was always friendly and easy to talk to. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. -- John and Garda Cuthbert
Mary and Family, We can't express how sad we are to hear about Virg. Our prayers are with you. May God Bless and keep you in this difficult time. -- Jerry, Rotten Roddy & Rachel
Aunt Mary and family, Praying for your peace and comfort with the passing of Uncle Virg. -- Jeff Nelson
Mrs. McKenzie, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -- Ron and Rhonda Green
Mary, Dennis, and Anita.. my thoughts and prayes are with you. This is indeed a difficult time. -- Sharon Gaylord-Hardy
Mary and family, know of our deepest sympathy in the passing of Virgil. As with you will missing hearing is voice. -- Sherm and Lawanna Watts
