A “Meal Train” effort is being organized for the Dutkiewicz family in Gun Lake because if the sudden and unexpected death Monday night of McKenna Dutkiewicz, 21.
A spokesperson on the site commented, “Our hearts are broken. We are reaching out to friends to help ease some of the pain by providing meals for the family and all those that will be visiting them. You can either choose a date to bring a meal or donate to the gift cards for local restaurants. If you choose to buy a restaurant gift card, please indicate in the “meal” option which restaurant so we can ensure variability. We will also be helping them with funeral expenses.”
McKenna was a Wayland High School graduate and a member of the Lady Wildcat track team. She was attending Eastern Michigan University. Her parents are Cathy Witkop and Mike Dutkiewicz and her brother is Caleb (all in cover photo).
McKenna graduated from Wayland Union in 2017, played violin in the orchestra, was on the swim team and track and field for four years. She grew up as an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church.
Following graduation, she attended Eastern Michigan University for two years and moved to Kalamazoo with plans to continue her education at Western Michigan University. McKenna was in the process of coming home due to the current pandemic conditions. Camping and tubing with family and friends were some of her favorite things to do. McKenna loved her Wayland community, working and volunteering where she was needed. She was always up to sharing new experiences and showing people new things and places.
There were reports that she was killed by a stray bullet.
Her mother, Cathy, said on Facebook, “Last night, June 1st, McKenna lost her life. She was the victim of foolish, careless behavior by a person with a gun. For some reason this person thought it funny to point the gun at her, and wanting more reaction, pulled the trigger. The gun was loaded. Our beautiful little girl was gone in an instant.
“We are heartbroken, devastated and completely lost. That is what we know; it is our new reality. When the sun rises tomorrow, our McKenna will not be here. Mike, Caleb and I are so grateful and overwhelmed by the out pouring of love.”
She is survived by her parents Mike and Cathy; her brother, Caleb (Amy); grandmother, Margaret Dutkiewicz; aunts and uncles Karen (Mark) Morgan, Mark (Linda) Dutkiewicz, Matt (Karin) Dutkiewicz, Monica (Cliff) Kiefer, Marty (David) Wagner; many cousins and extended family, friends; and her rescue dog and companion, Charlie.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Robert Dutkiewicz and Robert and Marilyn Witkop.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Monday, June 8, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St, Wayland. The family will receive relatives and friends Sunday at St. Therese from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary to be said at 6 pm. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guestbook at www.kubiakcook.com.
In keeping in with McKenna’s pay it forward spirit, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
How old was McKenna
She was only 21 years old
She was only 21