Date of Birth:
Tuesday, August 12, 1930
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Age:
95 years old

Robert F. McKenzie

Robert Fern McKenzie, 95, of Byron, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home.

Robert (Bob) was born on August 12, 1930, in Austin, MN, to Fern and Amanda (Johnson) McKenzie. He joined the Army in 1951 and was stationed in Labrador, Canada, through 1953. After his discharge, he went to work for Utility Sales (Himec), where he was employed from 1949–1992. He recently celebrated 72 years of membership in Local Union 10.

In 1955, he married Ramona Donna Lee Yennie at her parents’ farm in Byron, MN. The couple raised their three children in their Byron home, where they lived for the next 70 years.

Bob was an avid John Deere collector and spent many years restoring antique cars and tractors. He used his welding skills well beyond his career—making lawn ornaments and helping friends and neighbors with their projects. He could always be found in the garage tinkering or tending to his garden.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ramona; son Rodney McKenzie (Kasson); daughter JoAnn (Jon) Korbel (Kasson); five grandchildren: Jeremy (Julie) McKenzie, Jessica (Josh) Augustin, Rodney McKenzie, Katie Korbel, and Cody (Danielle) McKenzie; two step‑grandchildren, Tracy Gilbertson and Jarisa Johnson; nine great‑grandchildren; five step‑great‑grandchildren; brother Darwin (Pat) McKenzie; sisters Patsy McKenzie and Nancy Vagt; half‑brothers Jim McKenzie and Rod Eken; and sister‑in‑law Judy (John) Nelson.

Robert was preceded in death by his son Steven; granddaughter Jamie; sisters June Homberg, Mae House, and Grace McKenzie; and brothers Dale McKenzie and Jerry McKenzie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday March 19^th, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Byron Funeral Home (1620 Voll Drive NW, Byron, MN).

Online condolences are welcome at www.byronfuneralhome.com