Obituary of Kathleen Emily McKenney

Kathleen E. McKenney, age 67 of Yankton passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Sunday, September 18, 2016. There will not be any formal services held. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Kathleen Emily McKenney age 67 rejoined her spiritual family on Sept. 19, 2016. She fought a crappy battle with breast cancer, but was lovingly nurtured back to the Lord surrounded by her children and grandchildren at her home. She truly died peacefully in her sleep, early Sunday morning. Kathy was born in Chicago Ill. on Aug. 4, 1949 to Charles and Vlasta Shriner. She had three brothers Charles Jr., Daniel and Joseph, all who died before age 10 years of a rare genetic kidney disease. Kathy contracted Polio at age 3 weeks of age, as did her mother. While Kathy was able to overcome this and was fully functional, her mother was permanently wheel chair bound. Because of these obstacles Kathy became mature very young and always had a compassionate heart for people in need. Kathy graduated from Morton East High School and attended college in Chicago. She married her high school sweetheart, James McKenney Sr., and was married at Epiphany Church on March 15, 1969. They raised three children together. Kathy was a military wife, devoted mother, and loyal friend. Always putting others before herself. Her family will always be thankful for having known such a special, caring person. Kathy was an avid reader and scrabbler, but what she enjoyed most of all was her close relationships with her family and friends. Kathy loved watching winter Olympics ice skating, and Solid Gold or Dance Fever TV Shows. She spoiled her grandchildren and all the family pets too! We will never be the same without her, but our hearts will always be full from our gift of a mother. Kathy is survived by her three children: Aimee Huntley (Chad), James McKenney Jr.(Sally) and Danielle McKenney (David) and her grandchildren: Aedan, Arion, Aurora, Arias Huntley, Jessica McKenney, and Delaney, Davin Hibbard and beloved Rescue Dog; Holly. She is preceded in death by her brothers, parents, and grandparents.