In Memory Of

McKenzie J. Stilwell

November 22, 1998 - April 6, 2015

Letter From Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find youreyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,I know you miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,don’t think you’re far apart,

for every time you think of me,I’m right there in your heart.

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 roll 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.

In Memory Of

McKenzie "Mac" StilwellNovember 22, 1998 - April 6, 2015

Funeral ServicesSaturday, April 11, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.

Kadoka City Auditorium - Kadoka, South Dakota

ClergyPastor Duane Neugebauer - Pastor Kathy Chesney

MusicAlex Smiley - Vocalist Jerica Coller - Guitarist

"On Eagles Wings" "Keep Holding On""Jealous of the Angels" "Convoy"

UshersChuck Enders - Lucas Mayfield

Brian Fromm - Rich Bendt

PallbearersWyatt Enders - Dustin Enders - AJ Bendt

Brennan Kukal - David Kary - Paul SmileyStorm Wilcox - Brendon Porch - Jed Brown

Herbie O'Daniel

Honorary PallbearersClass of 2017 - Kadoka Kougar Football Team

Interment: Kadoka Cemetery - Kadoka, SD