John Michael (Mike) McKenna

On Sunday December 8, 2019, John Michael (Mike) McKenna, loving husband and father of two children and three grandchildren, passed away at the age of 78. Mike was born November 25, 1941 to William Ferris McKenna and Mable Elizabeth McKenna in Danville, IL. He spent his childhood in West Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and received a Master of Science from Oregon State University in Biochemistry. On June 13, 1964, he married Josann (Joey) Marie Moser. He had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, starting in Rochester New York, before moving back to Elkhart, Indiana for many years. The family spent a few years living in Los Gatos, California, and in Little Chalfont, England. But they kept returning to their family’s home state of Indiana, where Mike loved the colorful autumn and views over the river. Retiring early was important to Mike. He and Joey most recently split their time between Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Breckenridge, Colorado. His passion for golf was clear, playing at the lowest and highest of elevations, always carrying his own bag. He was the envy of his golfing buddies, shooting four holes in one. He also enjoyed cross-country skiing and the beauty of Colorado in the winter. Mike and Joey had many wonderful years together traveling, hiking, and entertaining friends and family. One of Mike’s favorite spots was Chipping Campden, England, where he and Joey had a cottage where they welcomed family and friends, sharing their love of hikes through sheep pastures, pints of ale in pubs with the local dog in front of a fireplace, and visiting surrounding areas including Mike’s family ancestral country of Ireland. Mike was a people person. When he was with family and friends, he lit up, sharing his quick wit, wonderful storytelling, and compassionate spirit. Everyone who came across him received a warm smile, and his friends and family will remember him as a charming, f