Gerald M. "Jerry" McKinzie died of cancer on January 2, 2026, showing remarkable strength, kindness, humor, and patience throughout his illness. He was 69 years old.

He was born on December 4, 1956, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Gerald Sr. and Janet McKinzie. After graduating from Forest Lake High School, he served in the U.S. Army as a track vehicle mechanic. He took fierce pride in his service. He later graduated from Brown Institute of Minneapolis with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.

Before his illness, Jerry worked with computers for several years and then, in 2005, joined his dad working as a real estate appraiser at McKinzie Metro Appraisal. He later transitioned full-time to a career as a network engineer with assignments that took him as far away as Afghanistan.

He married Deborah in 2006, and they shared many wonderful years together.

Jerry was equally at home behind a computer screen or working on home projects. He loved remodeling their homes with his own hands, gardening, and he had a gift for creating clever contraptions that made challenging work easier. A lifelong learner, Jerry was always reading about something new. His motto was, "I know this because I researched it." He enjoyed teaching others and solving problems. Fishing, bowling, and family were his true loves. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love of remodeling and bowling with the grandkids. Jerry was a lifelong gamer and enjoyed challenging his children with Heroes, elaborate maps, and characters in Diablo.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Deborah J. (Chandler) McKinzie; his parents, Janet Welsch and Gerald Sr. (Carole) McKinzie; his children, Crystal (Chris) Haney and Adrian McKinzie; his stepson, Nathan (Sara) Sillars; his grandchildren, Orion, Colin, Athena, Lucas, Owen, and Max. Jerry is also survived by his beloved siblings, many nieces and nephews, and his extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Craig McKinzie, and his beloved dog, Mort.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Jerry's wishes were to be interred at Fort Snelling, with a memorial service to follow in the Twin Cities. Details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.