Charles M. MCKENNA

MCKENNA, BAESSLER, LENZ, THORNTON, JOHNSTON, GATZKE, NEWHOUSE, SHULTZ, GARZA

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/20/2011 at 11:33:05

August 28, 1927 - February 15, 2011

Ankeny, IA -- Charles M. McKenna, 83, of Ankeny passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Friday, February 18 at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ankeny, with burial at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 17 at OLIH Church, with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m.

Charles was born on August 28, 1927 to Edward and Ida (Baessler) McKenna in Hardy, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and married Mildred Lenz in 1949. Charles worked at John Deere Des Moines Works for 28 years, serving as a UAW Local 450 officer for many terms before becoming a full-time contract negotiator as an International Rep for UAW.

Charles is survived by his seven children, Jim (Suzy) McKenna, Susan Thornton, Colleen Johnston, Tim McKenna, Jane (Mike) Gatzke, and Cheryl (Matt) Newhouse all of Ankeny, and Mary (Brian) Shultz of Las Vegas, NV; 17 grandchildren, and 16 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Millie, and his great-grandson, Jackson Garza.

Charlie had an impact on everyone he met. He made each one of his children and grandchildren feel as if they were the most special person in the world. His Irish wit and humor were one-of-a-kind, and his funny sayings and stories will be missed. Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospice-Johnston in loving memory of Charles.