Charles Cody Mckenna

Charles Cody McKenna, age 32, died of complications from a medical condition on Sunday, March 28th, 2010. He was born in Antigo on Sept. 6, 1977, a son of Anne Duffek-McKenna and Joseph McKenna. The third of seven children, Charles (Charley) was named after his grandfather, Charles Payant. He grew up in the hills just east of Antigo, and of his siblings, had the keenest eye for morels and wild asparagus, and felt most at ease in nature. He was an athlete who excelled at the silent sports, including skiing, roller-blading, and cycling. After high school, Charles moved to San Diego, where he apprenticed as an electrician and became a member of the San Diego Electrician's Union. He tended a plot of land at a community garden, and volunteered at the Alliance for African Assistance. He is survived by his parents, his step-father, Paul Duffek and nephew Joshua Duffek; his siblings, Patrick (Tonya Trabant) McKenna and their children, Evelyn Anne and Egan, Virgina McKenna and her son, Henry, John (Kelly Patterson) McKenna, Maureen McKenna, Theresa McKenna, and Paul McKenna and his son, Cody; three step-siblings, Josh Duffek, Allison (Nick) Bradfield, Kelly Duffek, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.The wake will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Easter Monday, at St. John Catholic Church, with funeral mass and internment to follow. He will be remembered for a kind heart, for a seeking and inquisitive spirit. He was athletic, but he his natural inclination was toward personal bests, rather than beating others. He had a quiet intensity about him, but was also funny and relaxed among those he loved. He will be greatly missed.