John Paul Mackinen, age 75, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on the morning of Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. John was born on August 1, 1943, in Kemmerer, Wyoming, the son of Arnie Arthur and Anne Louise (Felician) Mackinen. He married Diana Mecca on September 15, 1973 in Kemmerer.
John attended schools in Kemmerer and worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 23 years. John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping.
He loved to ride snow machines, and loved to spend time grilling for his family. He loved to volunteer his time and did so with the Kemmerer Volunteer Fire Department for over ten years. John was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren at the Hoback cabin.
John is survived by his loving wife, Diana Mackinen, of Kemmerer; his daughter, Michael Anne Mackinen, of Kemmerer; son Shane Mackinen, of Elko, Nevada; grandchildren Sable Sage Abeyta and Rudi Morgan Mackinen, both of Kemmerer; a sister, Mary Lou Gilchrist of Wellington, Colo.; three nephews, Jeff, Steve, and Leslie Gilchrist, all of Fort Collins, Colo.; three great-nephews, and three great-nieces.
John is preceded in death by his parents, one nephew Michael Gilchrist, and his in-laws.
Rosary will be recited on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer, and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow Mass at South Lincoln Cemetery in Kemmerer. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ball Family Chapel in Kemmerer. Online condolences may be left at ballfamilychapel.com.
