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Michael Mackensen Obituary
MICHAEL R. MACKENSEN
On September 20, 2023, beloved husband, brother, uncle, godfather, friend and philanthropist, Michael R. Mackensen, 80, passed away peacefully in his home in McLean, VA. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, he served in the US Army during the Viet Nam War.
His 29-year international career with Mobil was primarily with the Treasurer's Department and took him to Asia, Europe, Australia, West Africa and the Middle East. While in Japan, he was Treasurer of Mobil Sekiyu. He was based in New York until 1990 when Mobil's Headquarters transferred to Virginia where he directed the corporate foreign exchange operations.
Following retirement from Mobil in 1996, Mike purchased a Huntington Learning Center franchise in northern Prince William County. He established a new grass roots operation in Manassas, VA where he provided SAT preparation and education training for students who needed help in reading, writing and math. He sold this successful operation in mid-2000.
His devotion to Immanuel Presbyterian Church and community service was limitless. He served as treasurer, deputy treasurer, member of the finance and stewardship committees. He was instrumental in the development and ongoing operation of Chesterbrook Residences in Falls Church, VA. Upon news of his passing, their board created a Michael Mackensen Memorial Fund in his honor which illustrates the impact he had on every Board or Committee upon which he served.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1125 Savile Lane, McLean, VA.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathryn Stulla Mackensen, his sister Louise Wallace, brother Warren Mackensen, four nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chesterbrook Residences, 2030 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA 22043 designated to the Michael Mackensen Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mackensen
4 Entries
Michael Searing
October 20, 2023
When I think about my dear friend, I see that wonderful ear to ear smile and those friendly eyes. They correctly say "I am so glad to see you and I relish being with you." They also betray boundless energy, ready to spring into action on the next big project.
We enjoyed singing in the Brown Glee Club, where we first met. As members of the Inter-House Council, we sponsored the Brown String Quartet and represented the interests of the university´s independents. Mike was particularly helpful in organizing the "Monster Twist" for spring weekend and a Winter Ball. We also formed a strong bond with several other friends who have kept in touch as the decades roll by.
After graduation, one summer I hosted Mike at 85 Fourth Street NYC, in an aging bookstore area. A favorite memory : Mike happily lolling on the couch and watching an episode of Julia Child, the French Chef, while the former tenants scraped away their cork wall mounting.
Over the years, we celebrated each other´s weddings and gathered at Mike and Kathryn´s apartment after titanic clashes of Brown and Columbia that Mike dubbed "the Toilet Bowl!" We also enjoyed their hospitality for election returns. Barbara and I happily entertained them at home in Danbury, CT and a foray to the Frick Museum.
After Mike´s job took them to McLean, VA, we took advantage of any chance to visit him and Kathryn, we took advantage of any chance to see them:
reuions,Kathryn´s 50th, and stay-overs with them on our way to points south. When I had professional training in D.C. I always tried to touch base with them.
Upon the occasion of our move to Concord, NC in 2015, Mike and Kathryn happily hosted us. He was as gracious as always and full of his customary pep and verve. Only sporting events could keep him in one place. Though he never resembled a superhero, when I review a list of his accomplishments I feel sure he has a "secret cape" somewhere!
Robert Lopresti
October 6, 2023
It was an honor to work with and for Mike during the Mobil days. I am posting a photo from May, 2017 featuring Mike front and center, flanked by Kathryn and Sheri Ames to the left and Mary Lou Potenza and Rob Lopresti to the right
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