Funeral services for Jeffery A. McKenzie, 61, of Aurelia were held Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Aurelia. Redig Funeral Home of Aurelia was in charge of the arrangements.
Jeffery Alan McKenzie was born on March 16, 1965, to Gerald Richard and Annabelle (Smith) McKenzie in Cherokee. Jeff grew up in Cherokee and after receiving his education, he attended Western Iowa Tech Community College for its auto body repair program.
On May 23, 1987, Jeff was united in marriage to Tia Rae Peekenschneider at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee. The couple was blessed with two boys, Logan and Lucas. Jeff enjoyed spending time with his family and always enjoyed a good NASCAR race.
Jeff worked for Sunset Knoll and then Accura Healthcare in Aurelia. Although his job title was maintenance, he was a jack of all trades, often pitching in wherever needed, continually checking on and visiting with residents. He logged countless miles driving the shuttle van helping residents get to and from appointments, birthdays, weddings or any other special occasions as needed, which may even include trips around the county to see the harvest progress, and enjoy some nice time outside of the facility. He will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. This he exhibited in and out of many facets of his life, and it even lead him to help his community by joining the Aurelia Fire Department, of which he was a member for 10-plus years, retiring on Dec. 12, 2022.
Jeff died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Preceding Jeff in his passing are his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents, Gerald and Annabelle; his in-laws, Marvin and Doris Peekenschneider; brothers-in-law, Bob McLaughlin and Rod Peekenschneider; sisters-in-law: Mary McKenzie, Bonnie Peekenschneider and Mary Peekenschneider- Keleher.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Tia, and sons, Logan and Lucas McKenzie; siblings: Linda McLaughlin, Herman McKenzie, Melissa and her husband Randy Wilkie, Jerri Ann and her husband Kevin Harvey, Molly and her husband Dave Toney; sisters-in-law: Vicki and her husband Corry Gorden and Heidi Peekenschneider; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.
