Jeffrey Michael McKinnon
December 25, 1974 ~ April 23, 2025
Born in:
Breckenridge , Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Jeffrey M. McKinnon
(1974–2025)
A live stream of Jeff’s service will be starting at 2:00PM.
Jeffrey M. McKinnon, 50, of North Dakota, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones after a courageous seven-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Born and raised in Wahpeton, Jeff’s passion for sports, community, and service were apparent early on. He proudly played outside linebacker for the North Dakota State University Bison, forging lifelong bonds with his Bison football brothers that he treasured throughout his life.
Following his playing days, Jeff dedicated over 25 years to serving others through his work in behavioral health for the State of North Dakota. His career spanned roles at both the Southeast Human Service Center (Fargo) and the Northeast Human Service Center (Grand Forks), where he led as Director of Mental Health. Jeff’s leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across the state.
Beyond his professional career, Jeff poured his heart into coaching youth sports for more than 10 years, sharing his love of the game and teaching invaluable lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship to his own children and many others.
Jeff fought Multiple Myeloma with extraordinary strength and resilience, pursuing every available treatment option at Mayo Clinic and Roger Maris Cancer Center. His perseverance throughout his battle was a source of inspiration to all who knew him, showing what it means to face adversity with courage and grace.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Amy McKinnon; his son, Miles McKinnon; and his daughter, Meritt McKinnon. He is also survived by his parents, Casey and Kathy McKinnon; his five brothers — Dean, Darin, Brad, Jim, and Josh — and his sister, Tiffany Rondeau, along with their spouses and children. He leaves behind a large extended family of Bison teammates and lifelong friends who meant the world to him. His legacy of loyalty, leadership, and love will live on in all the lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s wishes were for support to be directed toward his family. A benefit account has been established at Bell Bank to help with ongoing health and education expenses for his children and family. Donations may be made to the Jeff McKinnon Benefit Fund.
Jeff’s life was a testament to quiet strength, tireless service, and deep love — from the football field to the sidelines, the workplace to his family home. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church Fargo, ND – with a visitation one hour prior.
Services
Visitation - Thursday: May 1, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
Funeral Mass - Thursday: May 1, 2025 2:00 pm
Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo
5202 25th St. S.
Fargo , North Dakota 58104
(701) 235-5757
https://stsaaj.org/
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Jeff at NE. A little under 2 years now. When I decided to go back to school at 40 for a MH/Additction counseling degree he fully supported me and che ked in with me often. Nov of last year I was diagnosed with brest cancer and Jeff was right back in my office asking if I needed anything and to take what ever time I needed to heal myself. No matter how he was feeling he always made sure you knew you could ask him for help too. He was an absolutely beautiful and a one of a kind human that will never be forgotten. Prayers to his whole family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jeff was not only a leader, but also a kind and steady presence who touched so many lives with grace, wisdom, and integrity. His guidance and the example he set have left a lasting impact on all of us.
My heart is with you during this difficult time. I hope you find strength in one another, and comfort in the love and memories you shared.
May God bless his eternal soul and surround you with peace, love, and healing.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Neha Patel
A Life Well Played
For Jeff, my godchild
God shaped Jeff strong, with hands to serve,
A heart that led with quiet nerve.
On fields of green, he stood with pride,
A Bison brother, bold and tried.
But greater still than games he won
Were lives he touched, the work well done.
In halls where healing hearts were torn,
He poured out grace — steadfast, warm.
He coached not just the plays and drills,
But how to climb life’s hardest hills.
With every child, each teammate dear,
He planted hope, cast out fear.
Through trials fierce, he did not fall —
He rose with courage, gave his all.
A warrior’s will, a servant’s soul,
He ran the race and met the goal.
Now Heaven cheers, and we recall:
The man who quietly gave his all.
Jeff lived his faith in word and deed,
A noble life — a godly seed.
I have only known Jeff for a little over a year, and in that short time i have seen the man he was and how his leadership positively impacted all of us in so many ways.
Jeff will always be remembered for his deep compassion and unwavering kindness. He had a remarkable way of putting others before himself, offering support, encouragement, and love even in his own times of struggle. Despite the challenges he faced, Jeff remained a source of light and positivity, always upbeat and cheering on those around him. His strength, selflessness, and infectious spirit left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.
I worked with Jeff when he first came to Southeast HSC. He was loved and respected by staff and clients.
Deepest condolences to all of Jeff’s Family/Friends & anyone inspired by him! To be lucky enough to share a field or court in competition or practice with Jeff McKinnon is to be a better person. Thank you Jeff! 🙏
My thoughts and condolences go out to the McKinnon’s.
Losing a loved one is horrible. Just know you’re not alone, and with time things will get better and you’ll be remembering all the good times you had with them.
To the Mckinnon Family: Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you all. We didn’t have tjhe pleasure of meeting or knowing Jeff. His Dad Casey, and Uncle Don were neighbors and friends
when I was in school. Reading the tributes to Jeff was no surprise, because of of knowing the Mckinnon family. God needed an outside linebacker on his Heavenly team, so he drafted Jeff. He was a wonderful son who came from a wonderful family. We are all so much richer from knowing them all!!
Steve & Verdell Pelvit
I appreciated so much working with Jeff at SE. I regret I won’t be able to be at the service.
Jeff’s courageous battle against cancer inspired me to act the same way after I had a heart attack a few years ago. Kudos to my cousin for that and for being a source of joy in the Wettstein Clan. I still remember grandma and grandpa talking about listening to his football games on the radio. They’d get so excited that sometimes they caught themselves cheering for the wrong team! Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your life with us.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I hope that the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Eric Angie Elijah Hayes
When my son graduated in 2024 I asked Jeff and Amy if they could offer any words of wisdom for a project I was working on putting together for my son. Jeff’s words really sum up how he lived his life “Integrity and responsibility are not just virtues. They are guiding principles that shape your character and define your legacy. Embrace them wholeheartedly and watch as they lead you to a life of fulfillment, honor and purpose.”
That really sums up who Jeff was. Not everyone who leaves this world can do so confidently knowing they left it better than they found it, and that they had a profound impact in the lives of many, but Jeff can. He will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed enough to have known him.
Although I didn’t know Jeff for a long period of time, he struck me as a warm, caring, outgoing individual that was willing to be a friend to about anybody and to help them out at any time his spirit will live on and on.
Rest in Peace, my friend.