McKenzie Marie Mehlisch
May 21, 1987 ~ April 22, 2026
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota
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In the month of flowers and spring, on May 21, 1987, McKenzie Marie Mehlisch came into the world.
McKenzie was baptized at Nativity Church in Fargo and graduated from Fargo South in 2005. She was a stand-out athlete and was a member of the F-M Acro Team, along with Track and Field and Basketball teams, all while keeping up with classes and working at the Moorhead DQ. McKenzie held the ND State track record for the 100M hurdles from 2005-2024 and the ND State field record for long jump from 2005-2025. She was honored to be inducted into the North Dakota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2024. She was also a member of the NDSU Track and Field Team. “Mac” and Shannon had six special years traveling the country together with the F-M Acro Team, even meeting Michael Jordan in Chicago. McKenzie treasured two incredibly special coaches, Rory Beil (Fargo South Track Coach) and Jim Simle (F-M Acro Team). Mac truly cherished her Acro memories with ‘Sim’, the entire Acro staff and all of her teammates. Without Rory she believed she would not have achieved all that she did. McKenzie held various jobs after her athletic career was over. She spent her workdays with many kind and wonderful people, most notedly the employees at Dixon Insurance/Interstate Truck Licensing. In later years she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and was an adventurous chef, even growing her own herbs. She told her mom she would talk to her plants (“the girls”) every morning. She had recently rediscovered her spirituality, keeping devotionals on her nightstand. And she and her dog, Murphy, had the most special bond of puppy love.
Sorrowfully, as in so many lives, McKenzie suffered with alcohol addiction. Although she fought the good fight and had moments of sobriety, the physical, psychological, and emotional struggle of so many years became too much to bear. After, her soul was entrusted to God, she was able to donate her eyes and tissues to others. She went to her heavenly home on April 22, 2026. She is now at peace in the Everlasting Arms.
McKenzie touched many lives with her beautiful smile and big heart and will be sorely missed by her beloved mother, Shannon, her father, Sammy Davis, her fiancé Mike Kary, uncle Jason, aunt Melissa, cousin Cody, Grammy Shari Mehlisch, half brother Dallas Davis, stepsiblings Cam, Matt, Katie, and stepfather Cameron Dockter, also including many special family members and friends. Her Papa Jerry was at the pearly gates, welcoming her home, along with Brenda Potter (Acro Team Athletic Trainer).
Please, if you or someone you know is suffering from a substance use disorder, reach out. And if you wish to make a donation in memory of McKenzie, please consider Soul Solutions — 1801 38th Street South, Fargo ND 58103. If we can save one life from addiction it will be a tribute and honor to McKenzie.
“I keep the memory of you and me, inside and we don’t say good-bye…”
Services
Memorial Service - Thursday: Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Thursday, April 30, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in McKenzie Marie Mehlisch 's name.
Soul Solutions Recovery Center
1801 38th St. S.
Fargo,
North Dakota
58103
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I am so sorry to hear of Macs’ passing.
Eternal rest grant to her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Shannon, I have no words, just tears. I was in the same place your baby has been in. But for the Grace of God Go I. I know for an absolute certain that McKenzie is in Heaven because she has already lived in hell. I am so sorry for your soul crushing loss. You’re wrapped in a hug.
Love,
Lepine
So fun to be around at NDSU Track Practice; always positive and smiling. .
You will be missed sweet girl! Gone way too soon!!
Shannon we are so very sorry to hear about Mckenzie’s passing there are no words that help at this time but please know that the Jangula family is sending our thoughts and prayers for you all 💔🙏
My heart goes out to Shannon and the Kary family! I have so many fond memories of Mac. Her smile could light up the room. I loved the sparkle in her eyes! May you rest in peace Mac. You are missed! Thoughts, prayers, and hugs!🙏💝
I’m so sad to hear this, McKenzie was a delight.
God’s Blessings to Shannon and all. Peace forever McKenzie.
Shannon and family. So sorry to hear about Mckenzie’s death. Know that my thoughts and prayers are for you and especially Mckenzie. May she now rest in peace.
Glad I had the fortune of coaching Mac during her basketball days, great kid and great competitor. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends!
My sympathies to you Shannon. She sure brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Always a smile and great conversations when we where neighbors, such a kind and beautiful bubbly soul.
Dear Shannon,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your daughter. May she rest in peace. God bless your family at this difficult time.
About four years ago, we ended up sitting next to each other on a flight to Minneapolis. That flight was delayed five different times, but what could have been a frustrating day turned into something truly special. We laughed, reminisced about our college days, and caught up on life—where we had been and where we were going. It felt like no time had passed at all. I’ll always cherish that unexpected gift of time we had together.
You had such a genuine spirit, and it was a blessing to know you, even if our time reconnecting was brief. Thank you for that moment, for the memories, and for being you.
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to Shannon and to all of Mac’s family and friends. May God bring you comfort, peace, and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
You will truly be missed, Mac. Rest peacefully.
Sharon
So sorry to hear about your granddaughter. It breaks my heart even though I didn’t know her.
Oh Mac! Rest easy, girly. Even though we lost touch over the years, I can say with confidence the world’s a better place because Mac was in it.
I am so sorry to hear of McKenzie’s passing. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out. We will keep you all in our prayers.
To Shannon and the Mehlisch Family,
I want to add a memory of happier times.
My daughter Amy and McKenzie were on the Acro Team together. She was small but fierce! I enjoyed her smiling presence. Amy sends her condolences.🙏
Sending my sincere sympathy to your entire family. Mackenzie was my student at FSH. She’s one of those students who still stands out in my mind. She had a big smile, fun personality, and a contagious spirit. I am so sorry that she struggled with addiction. May she now rest in peace.
Wow, just devastating to hear. Shannon and family, I just send my love. I lost touch with Mac through the years, after luckys. She was always one of my favorite people.
Her smile and her quick wit will be stored with love in my mind forever.
Truly gutting.
Shannon and family: no words can express my sorrow on your loss. Beautiful tribute for an out standing young lady. Your openness could save others from this grief. My girls have fond memories working with McKenzie at DQ and at the gymnastics gym. Chelsea even found a card McKenzie gave her while working at DQ. It was pretty special so no wonder why Chelsea kept it. Hugs and strength as you channel through the days and years ahead.
Shannon,
Your heartache will never be known!! The only thing I know for sure is that she is truly loved and will never be forgotten!! She was a gift from God to You!! She is so beautiful. Mac was a talented and beautiful girl !!! Never far from minds and always in our 💕
Shannon, Mike. Thinking of you both and your families. I’ll always remember how much fun we had playing basketball together, bus rides, coaching at little bruin camps in the summer. Mac was such a light and so fun to be around. Sending many positive thoughts and prayers your way during this difficult time.
Mac, I haven’t had the words since I learned of your passing. My heart has been so heavy knowing I won’t get to randomly run into you in town or finally set that coffee date we never got around to.
I am so sorry you were struggling here on earth. I would give anything to hug you again or burst into laughter with you over something so silly.
You were truly a ball of sunshine—everywhere you went, you brought so much light to everyone you met. Your beautiful smile and sweet laugh will live on, and your memory will never be forgotten.
May you rest in eternal peace.
Love you, Mac Doodles!
Chels
I remember McKenzie from her early Acro days when I was coaching the Acro Tots, and over the years I would run into her from time to time. I specifically remember a time or two at Lucky 13s and her time at NDSU, where I worked. Always a lovely joyous soul with a big smile.
I am sorry to hear about her struggles but I am so thankful you shared this with us. So many have loved ones we can’t save and it is important to talk about these realities without shame.
McKenzie was an enormously talented woman, my deepest condolences to her family and friends.