On behalf of the Princeton City School District Board of Education, we are saddened to share the news of the passing of Patrick McKinney, building maintenance worker and electrician, on Friday, September 12, 2025. Pat McKinney served the district for 22 years and was planning to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tami Jo McKinney, who passed away in February 2021.
Pat was a dedicated member of the Princeton staff and an all-around great man. He loved a good joke or prank, but his thoughts ran very deep. He would help anyone, and in true fashion, was an organ donor who will continue to help improve the lives of others.
Pat cared deeply about his family—including his Viking family, and that’s how he treated everyone at Princeton; like family. He loved solving problems and making sure things worked correctly. He was instrumental in building the Princeton Mobile Book Center (bookmobile). His creativity, talent, and genius led to the installation of solar panels on top of the bus, which powered the electricity needed for the shelf lighting and WiFi. He was one of the main carpenters to help build the inside and took great pride in the bookmobile.
Pat’s daughter-in-law, Kendal Dials, works at Heritage Hill Elementary as a Kindergarten teacher. She shared, “I know I can speak for the McKinney family when I say that we have been completely blown away by the love and support shown from the Princeton Community. It is truly a testament to the man Pat was and the family he built at Princeton. Words cannot adequately describe how much it means to us to see all of you there at the hospital, and sending your love and prayers.”
The Princeton City School District is thankful for Pat McKinney’s many years of committed service to our students and community, and offers condolences to his family, friends, and Viking family. Service and memorial plans and an official obituary will be shared when the information becomes available.