Carolyn McKenney

Carolyn McKenny, age 73, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating. Organist will be Cheryl Shekleton.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church.

Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota at a later date.

Carolyn was born on May 2, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Being the oldest of six children she was like a second mother to her siblings and helped keep them all in line. Carolyn spent her childhood in Crystal, MN and graduated from Cooper High School which was located in New Hope, MN. She then continued her education at Bethel College and achieved her degree in elementary education. Her first teaching position was at Park Grove Christian Academy.

Not long after starting her career she married Richard McKenney on June 24, 1978 in Cottage Grove, MN. They had two children, Peter and Ruth who she loved dearly. Carolyn's husband, Richard was called to ministry which led the family to move to Becker, MN and they planted a church in Clear Lake, MN. Carolyn fully embraced and loved the role of being a pastor’s wife. In 1997 God called the family to move to Wheaton, MN to plant another church.

Carolyn held a few jobs while living in Wheaton. She first worked at the local variety store Duebers. Second, she worked as an activity aid at the Traverse Care Center, and for her third and final job she did home health care for Sanford. She was always a dedicated employee at every job she held over the years.

In her spare time, Carolyn helped with the Meals on Wheels program in Wheaton. She was also involved in the Ruth Circle Bible study group. She was well regarded and respected within the community of Wheaton.

Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed sewing, cross stitch and embroidery.  She used this talent to bless others with her creations. A favorite gift was her embroidered dish cloths and her framed cross stitch art.

Carolyn was known for her delicious home baking which she brought to many events and holidays. Sometimes she just baked to bring a smile to someone's face.

Most of all Carolyn was known as a strong woman of God who was loyal to and loved her family, friends and community with all her heart and spread the love of Jesus no matter where she went. She is now reunited and rejoicing in heaven with her husband Richard, son Peter and all else who have passed.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard; son Peter; brother Dale Bryan; and her sisters-in-law: Karen and Pat Bryan.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Ruth Jenkins of Katikati, New Zealand; soon to be son-in-law Miles Benjamin; grandchildren: Aubrey, Bria and Graham; siblings: Bob Bryan, Warren Bryan, Bev (Kevin) Olson, Len (Kim) Bryan; sister-in-law Barb Bryan; and twelve nieces and nephews.