Neil
McKechnie, 90Thief River Falls - Neil McKechnie, 90, died Friday, February 20, 1998 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Tim Bauer officiating. Ida Nordvall was the organist, and special music was provided by Jan Peterson. Military honors were accorded by the Thief River Falls VFW and American Legion Posts. Burial was held at Greenwood Cemetery. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Neil McKechnie was born November 15, 1907 in Gilby, ND, to Neil and Jennie (Earl) McKechnie. He attended school and graduated from high school there. He was very active in high school sports, especially basketball and track. He attended North Dakota State University and while there, enlisted in the ROTC program. He graduated with a four-year degree in 1929.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1942. Neil trained in Mississippi, and his military service took him to Africa, Iran, Sicily, Naples and Rome. He achieved the rank of corporal and served as clerk of the motor pool. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
After returning from the military, he bought out his brother's Texaco bulk plant in Thief River Falls. Neil was united in marriage to Rhodell Angell on June 9, 1946 in Thief River Falls. She died on February 24, 1973.
On July 6, 1980 Neil married Esther Brown LaFave in Thief River Falls where they have since made their home.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Neil is survived by his wife, Esther; one step-son, Don of Leonard; one step-daughter, Darlene of Bryant, TX; three step-grandchildren; one brother, Donald in Texas; and special friend, Lawrence Hemmesch of Thief River Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Rhodell; and several brothers and sisters.