John Elwood Mackey, Age 86 of Hudson, WI, died August 14, 2014 at his home.

John was born on August 16, 1927 in Cass Lake, MN. He grew up in Cass Lake. After school he joined the Navy and served on the U.S.S Iowa during WWII. After he completed his duties with the Navy, he worked as a heavy equipment operator and helped build several dams including Garrison Dam in North Dakota and Oahe Dam in South Dakota. He married Mary Zimmerman on November 6, 1954. After attending Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL, they moved to Northern Minnesota, eventually settling in Biwabik, where they raised their family, in a house that John himself built. When he was not at work, he could almost always be found in his garage doing woodworking. He took great pride in the things he made for his family. In 1992, John retired from Erie Mining Company/LTV Steel after 33 years of service. He owned and operated Lakeland Campers in Lakeland, MN for many years. In 2008, they moved to Hudson, WI where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who were all his greatest joy. He was a member of the American Legion in Cass Lake for the past 62 years, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; sons, Brian Mackey of Texas and Jeff (Shelley) Mackey of Illinois; daughters: Susan Mackey of Ely, MN, Kathy (Ron) Jenkins of Hudson, WI, and Kris (Dave) Johnston of Hudson, WI; grandchildren: John Mackey, Lynn Gregory, Christopher Mackey, Lucas and Lily Mackey, Kaylyn and Kassidy Jenkins, and Derek, Marissa and Marly Johnston; sister, Geraldine Nyberg; brother, Wayne Mackey; and many loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Nona Mackey; and sisters, Lucille Davis and Florence Ellis. He will be remembered for his amazing smile, his quick wit, and his awesome sense of humor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson with a visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Public Graveside Service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20 at the Biwabik Township Memorial Cemetery.

Cremation Services entrusted to Countryside Cremation and the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI, (715) 386-3725.