William Ellis McKinzie, 91, Lincoln, died Sunday (9-18-11). Born (11-29-19) in Filley, Nebraska to William W. and Ferdella (Ellis) McKinzie.
William attended country school and Filley High School graduating in 1938. He attended the University of Nebraska on a 4-H scholarship graduating in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a commission in the U. S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. After graduation he was sent to Fort Sill and was assigned to the Army Training Center where newly inducted personnel came to 6 weeks basic training. After promotion to Captain he was assigned to Fort Robinson as a Battery Commander in the 561st field artillery battalion. Soon thereafter, he boarded the Ill De France with his battalion and headed for Europe landing in Scotland. After D-day and Utah Beach he remained in combat through the Battle of the Bulge and until VE day. William returned to the United States as a Major in 1945. After separation from the Army he entered graduate school at the University of Nebraska, followed by employment with USDA as a soil scientist. In 1960 he was transferred to Puerto Rico as supervisory soil scientist. He returned to the United States in 1965 and ultimately retired after 34 years of service in 1976.
William belonged to several Fraternal Organizations: Lancaster Lodge #54, A.F. & A.M., Nebraska York Rite of Freemasonry Lincoln Center #6 and Council #4, Mount Moriah Commander #4, Sesostris Temple of the Shrine, Temple Chapter #271, O.E.S., American Legion Post #3 NB7-0003-4598, life member Disabled American Veterans, Robert Flansburg Chapter #7-26607L02814, Veterans of Foreign Wars #8524127 Post #7722, and Soil Conservation Society of America.
William’s main hobby was woodworking, he built and restored beautiful furniture as well as framing numerous pictures during his active retirement years. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandkids.
William married Dorothy Weiss in Virginia, Nebraska in 1942 and they enjoyed 69 years together.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy, sons William G. McKinzie of Lincoln and Dr. Charles E. McKinzie and daughter-in-law Chicky (Dorothy) of Alexandria, MN. Also surviving him are granddaughters Kris Histand, Kathy Klemmit, Michele Machado (Van) and Megan McKinzie and grandson William P. McKinzie in addition to four great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters and a very special nephew Kevin Weiss.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (9-21-11) Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 East Pointe Road. Pastor Jeff Warrick, officiating. Graveside service with military honors at Lincoln Memorial Park. A reception will follow the graveside at the church.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Sesostris Temple of the Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 1050 Saltillo Road, Roca, NE 68430 or the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Foundation.
Visitation: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street and one hour prior to service time at the church.