Florence McKee

Florence Lavina McKee, 102, of Lansing passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. There was a private family graveside service held Wednesday, November 18. The family will also be having a Public Celebration of Life at a later date.

Florence was born in the Lansing area January 18, 1918 to Dwight and Bessie (Darnell) Van Brocklin. She attended Lansing area schools through the ninth grade.

Florence was united in marriage with Arthur McKee December 23, 1935. Five children were born to this union: Harris, Keith, Thomas, Gary and Phyllis. Florence was a devoted housewife and always made sure her family was well taken care of.

Florence enjoyed gardening, playing euchre, socializing with family and friends, and cooking. Nobody left Florence’s house with an empty stomach. She had baked goods on the counter at all times. She took pride in her ability to cook the famous Norwegian dish, “Lefse”. Florence had also made a homemade smoker out of an old refrigerator. She would use this smoker to cook catfish her husband, Arthur, would catch. She was a resident at Thornton Manor since January, 2015.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Dymond of Sun City West, AZ; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; two great-great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Kathryn) Van Brocklin of Lansing; and her daughters-in-law, Ruth McKee of Long Beach, CA and Chris McKee of Lansing.

Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur McKee, in 1993; her children, Harris (Bonita) McKee, Keith McKee, Thomas McKee and Gary McKee; her parents, Dwight and Bessie Van Brocklin; her siblings, Clarence Van Brocklin, Ray Van Brocklin, Bud Van Brocklin, Ada Boltz, Phyllis Hammel and Joyce Shogren; and her granddaughter, Cheryl Burner.

The family of Florence would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Thornton Manor for the great care they provided Florence over the past six years.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.