Nov. 8, 1962 - Jan. 26, 2013

ELKHART - Christopher J. McKenna, 50, of Elkhart passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, in Niles Township, Mich. He was piloting an Ultra Lite single seat aircraft when it crashed in a wooded area east of Clark Street in Niles Township.

He was born Nov. 8, 1962, in Groton, Conn., to Lawrence and Sharon (Keller) McKenna.

On Sept. 19, 1981, in Osceola, he married Karen L. Noffsinger.

She survives along with two daughters, Charity (Manuel) Flores and Stephanie McKenna, both of Elkhart; and four grandchildren, Kayliegh, Kamden, Mason and Max. Also surviving are a brother, Patrick (Becky) McKenna of Goshen; a stepbrother, Michael (Barb) Ford of Elkhart; a stepsister, Michelle (John) Shabaker of Naperville, Ill.; and his stepmother, Sarah Jane McKenna of Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Timothy McKenna.

Chris was a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the New Salem United Methodist Church, a member and past Worshipful Master of Kane Masonic Lodge 181, F.& A.M., member of the Scottish RiteValley of South Bend, member of Starlight Chapter 183 O.E.S., a member of the Widow Sons of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, flying, camping, working on cars and helping people in need. Chris was the owner of Stewarts Auto Repair for nine years. He was employed as a maintenance man at Bennington Marine in Elkhart.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. A Masonic memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at the funeral home. Pastor Michael Jenkins of New Salem United Methodist Church will preside and burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Elkhart DAV will render military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to Kane Masonic Lodge or New Salem United Methodist Church.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.wmzfh.com.

Alice Johnson Bess, Mishawaka, IN Karen, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time....it is always hard to lose a loved one, yet moreso, when it is unexpected. I pray you find peace and comfort in your time of need.

Chris Bringle, Elkhart, IN Dear Karen and family, Thinking of you with love and heartfelt thoughts Your friend Chris Bringle

Peg Robbins, Elkhart, IN I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been deeply blessed by having shared a part of ours with you. Please accept our apologies for missing the service, we were there in Spirit. Sincerely, Dallas & Peggy (Basse)Robbins

Jan Walters, Elkhart, IN Karen and family: So sorry to learn of the accident and please know our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Sarah Nelson, Bristol, IN You were taken way to young. There is still alot for you to be doing. Here on earth. your shoes are to large for anyone man to fill, it will take many.

Cathy Hurley, White Pigeon, MI The world has lost a wonderful man. My heart aches for you Karen, Charity and Stephanie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.