Leslie "Les" McKenzie

Leslie B. McKenzie, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away on December 26, 2025. After a long, fulfilling adventure called life, Les passed away at the age of 95. Loving dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Survived by children Cindy (Terry Scott) Wiedewitsch, Cheryl (Paul) Golden, Jeff (Michele Gilb), Mark (Erin Hood); grandchildren Adam (Tannicha Vialva) & Peter Wiedewitsch, Sarah & Laura Scott, Carly & Griffin McKenzie, Kelcey Jo Gilb, Grace (Tom) Beissel, Michael (Bre Erickson) McKenzie; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Marilyn, son-in-law Michael Wiedewitsch, twin brother Lyle, sisters Beth, Dorothy, Barb and Beverly.

Born on a farm in Minot, ND on February 27, 1930, he, his twin brother and their five siblings were raised in St. Croix Falls, WI. A lifelong learner, Les graduated from St. Croix Falls High School, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University of North Dakota and University of Minnesota. Science and education were his passion.

He married Marilyn Miller in 1953, the same year he was called to duty in the Army. They were sent to Muskegon, MI where they had their first child, Cindy. New life experiences called again and they moved to Black River Falls, WI where Cheryl was born. Science education then called and they traveled to Grand Forks, ND where they welcomed their first son, Jeff. With graduate school over, they moved closer to family, settling in Inver Grove Heights, MN where Mark was born.

His teaching career continued as a chemistry and physics teacher at the new Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights. His love of science was evident through his teaching and especially his science fairs. After six years of teaching, he answered the call to pursue educational administration as assistant principal of Simley Junior High School. He was promoted to principal of the junior high school followed by principal of the senior high school where he completed his career. He is best remembered for his classic look of suit, tie and polished wingtips and for being tough but fair.

Les was a passionate deer hunter up to the very end. He did also love to nurture and observe them, sometimes even providing food with extra protein for the does. He loved fishing and looked forward to his annual fishing trips to the Boundary Waters and the lakes of Canada. His cabin in Golden Harbor Association on Rush Lake in Crosslake, MN was his pride and joy where he spent half of the year visiting, dining out, league golfing and endless pontoon rides on the chain of lakes. He was always upgrading his property, maintaining the most meticulous yard, had the best happy hours which always included champagne, and served unrivaled fried chicken. Les was the conscience of the park and knew everything there was to know about it.

Taking on a new role of “Papa” to nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, he never strayed from teaching. They were all his new students.

A Celebration of Les' Life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN, starting at 4pm with memorial service at 7pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Simley High School IGH Best Foundation for the benefit of the “Leslie B. McKenzie Scholarship” www.ighbestfoundation.com or the Golden Harbor Association in Crosslake, MN.

In relationship with Roberts Family Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Inver Grove Heights, Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel will host the McKenzie family. Please feel free to direct questions to Roberts Family Funeral & Cremation Chapel at 651-455-2035.