Richard McKenney

Richard McKenney, age 72, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Friday, September 30, 2016 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton with Rev. Tim Shekleton officiating. Organist will be Cheryl Shekleton. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Richard was born on December 21, 1943 in St. Paul, Minnesota. His father died when he was eleven months old and was raised by his mother and grandmother. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with an AA degree. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Germany. After serving his country he trained as a computer technician at Control Data Institute. He later was employed at Sperry Univac and Control Data, and the United States Government. He married Carolyn Bryan on June 24, 1978 in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. They had two children; Peter and Ruth. While working and helping raise a family he was called into the ministry, completing his pastoral studies. Richard pastored churches in Clear Lake and Wheaton, Minnesota. In Wheaton he also worked as a CNA at Traverse Care Center and was awarded Care Giver of the Year. He preached at the Care Center and led bible studies in his home. He enjoyed playing guitar, HAM radio, photography, painting and sketching. He was faithful to his wife, to his children and to God.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn of Wheaton; son Peter of Alexandria; daughter Ruth (Marc) Jenkins of Katikati, New Zealand; grandchildren Aubrey, Bria and Graham; sister Barbara Bryan, brothers-in-law Bob Bryan, Warren Bryan and Len Bryan; and sister-in-law Bev Olson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard E. and Helen McKenney.