Paul J. McKenzie, 80, of Sioux City, passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at his residence.

Mass will be held 10:30 am Thursday, December 29, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Visitation Wednesday 5-8 pm at the church, with the family present 6-8 pm and a 7 pm Vigil Service. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service.

Paul Joseph McKenzie was born on October 22, 1931 in North Dakota, the son of Michael and Eva McKenzie. At the age of 8, young Paul was out shining shoes in downtown Sioux City, and by age 13, he had learned the craft of laying bricks. He was the youngest bricklayer in Sioux City. Due to an injury to his father, young Paul worked to support his family.

On November 15, 1951 Paul was united in marriage to Donna Blake in St. Boniface. Paul continued working as a bricklayer, working for many of the area construction firms, Chris Hansen, Klinger and Audino Construction. During 1968, Paul and Pete Dean Started McKenzie – Dean Construction, which later became McKenzie Construction. He retired at age 72 in 2003. Paul was an avid cribbage player.

Paul was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church. He was a devoted husband and father. He coached Little League in the area during the 1970’s and was active with many of his children’s sports and school functions.

Paul is survived by his 5 sons, Gregory McKenzie and his wife Sherri of Jefferson, South Dakota, David McKenzie of Sioux City, Timothy McKenzie and his wife Teresa of Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas McKenzie and his wife Debbie of Sioux City, and Joseph and his wife Roxanne of Sioux City; 1 daughter, Deborha Kindig of Sioux City; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Eva Winslow of Michigan, Teresa Meyers of Sioux City and Dorothy Diamond of Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his wife Donna in 2010, an infant daughter, and one brother, Louis McKenzie.
11 grandchildren, Christopher Abelson, Christina “Tuna” Boulware, Jennifer Rose Abelson, Jeanett Hubert, T.R. McKenzie, Jessica Hedid, James McKenzie, Montana McKenzie, Amanda McKenzie, Kyliee McKenzie and Skylar Undine; 12 great-grandchildren, Kaleb Kennedy, Austin Case, Nicholas Abelson, Carly Boulware, Jordan Case, Haley Boulware, Collin Abelson, Brayden Meyers, Reagan Headid, Savannah Headid, and Xazia McKenzie.