McKenzie James Stilwell was born on November 22, 1998 in Rapid City, South Dakota, to James “Jim” and Jacqueline “Jackie”(Madsen) Stilwell.
He grew up and attended school in Kadoka, South Dakota.
His activities include: Honor Student, Student of the month, 4-H, FFA, FCA, Football, Track, AAU Wrestling, basketball and was a confirmed member of Concordia Lutheran Church.
As a young boy, McKenzie enjoyed attending 3-D Archery shoots with his dad. At the age of eight, Mac became involved in 4-H when the Kountry Kousins 4-H Club was formed and led by his mother, Jackie, and cousin Amy Smiley. McKenzie’s 4-H activities included showing calves & rabbits, photography and several other projects. One of Mac’s biggest achievements during 4-H was being selected as the 2014 Haakon/Jackson County Representative to attend the Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C.
McKenzie loved fishing, hunting, trap shooting, ATV riding, and any other outdoor activity. Mac never missed an opportunity to be a “Grease Monkey” with his buddies. He would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. If he didn’t know how to solve a particular problem, he would find a solution quickly.
Family was everything to McKenzie. He loved being a big brother to Mason & Madison. He extended that love to his cousins Shanee, Victoria, and Alexandria. They loved him as much in return.
Mac was a positive role model to many young children of the community.
McKenzie enjoyed playing football and was looking forward to the upcoming season. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He also enjoyed animals and had recently acquired a young puppy he named Maizie. He loved her dearly and took her everywhere he could. Maizie will miss her traveling buddy.
Mac will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Survivors include his parents, Jim and Jackie Stilwell of Kadoka; one brother, Mason Stilwell, and one sister, Madison Stilwell of Kadoka; one half-sister, Kasondra Stilwell of Rapid City; paternal grandparents, Jerry and JoAnne Stilwell of Kadoka; maternal grandparents, Bruce and Bonnie Madsen of Kadoka; "Grandpa Wib" Osborn of Kadoka; aunts and uncles, Jeff Stilwell of New York, Jerry Jr. (Jeanne) Stilwell of North Carolina, Lori (Mark) Fitzgerald of Wyoming, John (Sarah) Madsen of Kadoka, Jeff (Kate) Madsen of Texas, and Janelle Popwell of Texas; special cousins, Shanee Popwell, Victoria Madsen, and Alexandria Madsen; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with a prayer service that will be held at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Funeral Services
Saturday, April 11, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium - Kadoka, South Dakota
Clergy
Pastor Duane Neugebauer - Pastor Kathy Chesney
Music
Alex Smiley - Vocalist
Jerica Coller - Guitarist
"On Eagles Wings"
"Keep Holding On"
"Jealous of the Angels"
"Convoy"
Ushers
Chuck Enders - Lucas Mayfield
Brian Fromm - Rich Bendt
Pallbearers
Wyatt Enders - Dustin Enders - AJ Bendt
Brennan Kukal - David Kary - Paul Smiley
Storm Wilcox - Brendon Porch - Jed Brown
Herbie O'Daniel
Honorary Pallbearers
Class of 2017 - Kadoka Kougar Football Team
Interment
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
We are so very sorry for this loss to this family, of this precious child. May God guide you thru this time of heartache and grief, you all will be in our prayers and God bless this family and the Kadoka community.
~ Chris and Diana Elwood
Volborg, MT (4/6/2015)
I am so sorry and my heart is heavy. My prayers are with all of you as Jesus has a wonderful soldier now in his Kingdom, Angel looking over you. RIP McKenzie. God bless you all.
~ Colleen Miller
Shippensburg, Pa (4/6/2015)
So sorry for your loss. You're in my prayers.
~ Suzanne Hoon
Kadoka (4/6/2015)
So very sorry for your devastating loss. My prayers are for God to hold you in his arms through this very difficult time.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City, SD (4/6/2015)
Jim, Jackie and families - please know that my deepest sympathies are with you all. Your community of friends and family will be with you through this dark hour and I pray that God will comfort you and give you peace.
~ RoseAnn Wendell
Pierre (4/6/2015)
Jim Jackie and family We were so sorry to hear about McKenzie's accident Our prayers are with you during this trying time. Lloyd and Terri
~ Lloyd and Terri Johnston
Kadoka So. Dak. (4/6/2015)
Jim and Jackie. I am so sorry for your loss; thoughts ahd prayers are with you and your family.
~ dawn knight
po box 187 philip so dak (4/6/2015)
We are saddened by the passing of McKenzie. He was such a nice kid and will be missed by so many people. McKenzie always had a big smile. God must have needed his help in Heaven. If there is any way that we might help please let us know. Love and prayers of comfort to all of you.
~ Joe and Betty Lou Stratton
Kadoka, SD (4/6/2015)
We are sorry for your loss. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all
~ Stormy and John Tollison, Logan
HC 66 Box 290 Sawyer, OK 74756 (4/6/2015)
Jim and family! I was shocked to hear of your son's death. God does things for a reason even though we don't understand why! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
~ Joe Millage
Philip SD (4/6/2015)
Dear Family~
Thinking of you in this most difficult time. We have sure enjoyed getting to know McKenzie the past couple years at 4H events. He sure had a zest for life and seemed to enjoy all he did! He was a kind and polite young man. May God hold you all in the palm of his hang and guide you thru this time of sadness. Hugs and many prayers to you all
Love and Hugs
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas Butler
~ Michelle
Philip SD (4/6/2015)
Jackie, Jim and all family.....we are so heart broken for you. So very sorry, there is no making sense of it, but I do pray for that peace that only God can give at a time like this.
~ Jeff and Tena Most
725 Road West A S Ogallala, NE 69153 (4/6/2015)
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mckenzie. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Kirsten, Alyssa, Jade
watford city nd (4/6/2015)
A kind young soul, lost way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Bill, Starla and Tiffany Brown
Kadoka, SD (4/6/2015)
Jackie, Jim and family,
There really are no words that I could say to ease your pain at this time. I want you to know that my heart hurts for you as you have to say goodbye too soon. I do understand. I am praying that you will feel the love of your friends and community wrap around you as you go through this extremely difficult time. Let them be there for you. Take time to grieve. Take time to remember and share this special young man's life. He will not be forgotten. Nicki
~ Nicki Nelson
Midland (4/6/2015)
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort in this very difficult time.
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Midland (4/6/2015)
So very sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories and God's grace give you comfort and peace during such a difficult time.
~ Roxy McCormick Schmit
Spearfish, SD (4/6/2015)
we were so sorry to hear of your loss...words could never erase the pain you are feeling.. only God's gentle hands around will ease the pain. God bless you all and we are very sorry !!!
~ kenny and nancy neville
philip (4/6/2015)
Jim, Jackie and family and Jerry and JoAnn so sorry to hear of this tragic loss of McKenzie. He sounds like a wonderful young man May you feel God's arms wrapped tightly around you and may our prayers bring you strength. Heaven gained another angel McKenzie and he is looking down on all of you.
~ Sonny and Betty LaBeau
Philip (4/6/2015)
Jim, Jackie and families: No words can possibly convey how sorry we are about McKenzie. Just know that he is wrapped in God's loving arms and that he is watching over all of you now. Cherish the memories.
~ Randy & Holly (Vosberg) Nemec
Midland (4/6/2015)
I first remember McKenzie as a young boy who charmed his way into getting extra money for an ice cream cone. Each of my visits was delayed by several years, but I tracked his accomplishments through articles in the Kadoka newspaper my mother received. My infrequent visits to Kadoka always showed further evidence of his increased maturity and many abilities. My love and prayers are with his family and friends.
~ Susan Kerns
Highland Falls NY (4/6/2015)
You are in my thoughts and my prayers
~ Kelly Madsen
Fort Pierre (4/6/2015)
My love and prayers to all his family. Remember and cherish all your memories. Love to you all
~ Joan Kirchhevel
Rapid City (4/6/2015)
Jackie, Jim, and the entire family-my heart is heavy for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Patti Lee-Smith
David City, NE (4/6/2015)
You are in our thoughts and will pray for your entire family during the difficult days ahead. Cherish all the memories. God Bless each of you.
~ Rudy & Susan Roth
Philip (4/6/2015)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our love to you.
~ Benson & Betty Long
Wellington, Texas (4/6/2015)
One can only try to imagine your pain and sadness at the tragic loss of McKenzie. You have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you all.
~ Brant & Lee Sundall
Philip (4/6/2015)
Jackie,Jim,Bonnie,Bruce and extended family. My heart breaks at the your loss. There are no words to express my most heartfelt sympathy and may God shine in Grace upon you at this time. Love to all, Carol
~ Caro (Vroman) McKee
Rapid City, SD (4/6/2015)
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Janet Rauch
Tea, S D. (4/6/2015)
Our heartfelt prayers for all of you! We hope God surrounds you with His peace and love to understand and cope with this tragic loss. Our love and many hugs...Mike & Shar
~ Mike and Shar Moses
Philip (4/6/2015)
To all the Stillwell family,
We were horrified when we heard the news and have been heartsick ever since, as are hundreds for you all.
We lift you to the very throne of God in tearful prayers as nothing of this world makes sense right now.
Our deepest sympathy,
~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams
Philip (4/6/2015)
I'm sorry for the loss of your son. I can not even begin to imagine what you are going through. Cherish the memories and in doing so, McKenzie will live on. Jackie, know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time now and in the future.
~ Brad Maskovich
Pierre, SD (4/6/2015)
Words can not convey our sadness for all of McKenzies family in this terrible time of grief and loss. May God help you and comfort you in the days, weeks and months ahead.
~ Eileen Stolley
Kadoka (4/6/2015)
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart is broken for your family. May God bless you with sweet memories. Love Connie and Calvin
~ Connie Brasel (Rogers)
Casper WY (4/6/2015)
So sorry for your loss! Words can not even begin to express what you are going through. May God comfort you at this most difficult time.
~ Mary Jo Jones
Midland (4/6/2015)
Condolences and prayers to the family
~ Janie Whidby
Rapid City,SD (4/6/2015)
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Gary and Tracie Ward
Pahrump, Nevada (4/6/2015)
Words cannot begin to express the sadness and sorrow the community feels for all of you. Many prayers being said for peace, comfort, and strength during these difficult days.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Rd. Philip, SD (4/6/2015)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
~ Mary Rogers
Casper, Wyoming (4/6/2015)
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all your family. Hug and love the little ones left behind...I was once one of those and it's darned tough to understand at any age but the good memories never fade! Sending love to all.
~ Barb Ketel
Gillette, WY (4/6/2015)
Dear Jackie and Jim, we are deeply sorry for the loss of McKenzie. Grief is a lot of work. Hold your children and let people help you. God is near to the brokenhearted. We pray that you feel His comfort and love.
~ Kenton & Angela McKeehan
Kadoka (4/6/2015)
Jim we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God wrap is loving arms around you and give you strength.
~ Dane and Kim Claussen
Martin, SD (4/6/2015)
Dear Stilwell family, my condolences on your loss. Think of the wonderful memories which will help hold you through the trying times. May God be with you.
Christy Fonseca-Graddy
christinafonseca86@yahoo.com
~ christy Fonseca-Graddy
184200 Guildberry Drive, Gaithersburg, MD (4/6/2015)
You are all in our thoughts & prayers, so sorry for your loss. God Be With you all.
~ Floren & Debbie Falzone
Philip, SD (4/6/2015)