Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John McKenna Obituary
JOHN MICHAEL MCKENNA
22 December 1944 - 21 June 2018
Lieutenant Colonel John McKenna, 73, of Colorado Springs, lived a life of adventure. He learned Mandarin in China as a toddler, lived in Boston near his Irish clan as a young kid and traveled the world with his attache father, Colonel John Joseph McKenna and his mother, Ruth Walsh McKenna. In June of 1966, he graduated from Georgetown University, married Nancy Knipe and joined the U.S. Army. In Vietnam he flew backseat in a Cessna with the 220th Aviation Company, and commanded a field artillery battery for the 5th Inf. Div. (Mech).
He raised his family in Europe and Colorado. After 20 years in the U.S. Army, culminating in command of the 3/29th Field Artillery Battalion, he retired, to travel the world, attend St. Paul's Catholic Church and volunteer for Silver Key, delivering hot meals and charm. John was as comfortable practicing his Mandarin on General Chiang Kai-shek as he was chatting up the regulars at the Mill Hill Saloon. He lived his life as if it might end soon, and when he left, he was at peace.
He is predeceased by Nancy and survived by four children, Michelle, Chris, John and Kate, as well as grandchildren and several cousins.
All who knew him are welcome to attend the service at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs, at 1:00 p.m. July 21st, and the party following at Phantom Canyon Restaurant from 3-6 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McKenna
July 23, 2018
Memorial video: https://vimeo.com/281073966
Tom Gandolfo
July 21, 2018
Hi Michelle, Chris, Kate, John, Grandchildren, & friends of John-
John & I lived together for a few years in the early 90's.He was a great loyal fun-loving friend & patriot... a perfect example of what a role model should be. He always had the respect of intelligent people & children adored him. His family & many friends are living testament to his legacy- a life well lived of service to family, friends & country.
Miss you Buddy
See you later John...
Save me a Seat!
Tom G
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
Victor, Gladys and Lina
July 17, 2018
Grandpa John Michael,
We were lucky to meet you and share incredible and amazing moments with you. With your gracious and special personality, language was never a barrier to get to know your desires, smiles and enthusiasm.
You had the ability to enjoy small things such as a simple lemonade and a refreshing Cuba Libre.
Tireless traveler from airport to airport, regardless of the number of hours to get to the places where you knew you could find peace, tranquility and joy.
You had a beautiful family, four good children that surely will continue radiating joy and good energy.
To Michelle, Chris, Kate, John and 5 grandchildren, our deepest sympathy. They know that from heaven their beloved father and grandfather will enlighten and guide them by giving them peace. They will always remember him as the great human being who cared for them and offered them everything he had.
If you look around you will see not only your family but also many friends who enjoyed your, as for ourselves, despite the distance, we join you in a fraternal embrace. We will also miss you.
Finally, thanks to his faith we are sure that in this moment you are in the Kingdome of heaven.
Forever with great affection to the Mckenna family,
Víctor Hugo, Gladys and Lina
July 8, 2018
God Bless You!
July 7, 2018
i met you one time john it was a fun filled night in las vegas at a 38.speical show RIP SIR glad i got to meet you
John, grandkids Remy and Rhys
July 7, 2018
John and Nancy in Germany
July 7, 2018
John, Nancy, Nana in Greecr
July 7, 2018
John and Nancy in Holland
July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018
Vietnam, Fall 1969
Michelle McKenna
July 7, 2018
Michelle McKenna
July 7, 2018
Nina Stiles
July 7, 2018
You were a good friend to all who knew you and you led an adventurous life. Continue your travels now thru the universe and enjoy the splendor of God's creation with all your loved ones that went on before you. No more aches, pains or sickness. Rest in peace til we meet again. Love you honey, Nina and Kenny
acting career head shot
Michelle McKenna
July 7, 2018
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in John McKenna's name
Memorial Events
for John McKenna
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John McKenna's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
