John was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed watching the cardinals (and St. Louis Cardinals) and other wildlife from his sunroom window. He loved his country and was very proud of his service to his country in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. His knowledge of Belleville history was extensive and he loved to share it with others. Most importantly, he dearly loved his wife and family, and often spoke of their accomplishments and talents. His strong will to live and love of his family guided him through 95 blessed years. Dad was one of a kind with his gentle and kind yet strong demeanor. The sparkle in his eye and sweet smile will live on forever. He will be dearly missed and treasured forever.
Mr. Young was born in his grandparent’s home, in what is now the bishop’s house in Belleville. He was a retired real estate developer and Broker with Young Realty. John was on the forefront of renovation in 1964 when he won awards for the renovation of the Village Square Building, formerly known as Illinois/Wolfort stables, built in 1864. He was a charter member of the Layman’s Foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL, and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 67 years, Anne M., nee Reifschneider, Young, whom he married on November 24, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, by the late Fr. Joseph Orlet, and who died on July 28, 2015; a son, Jan C. Young; his parents, Charles and Mary, nee Harst, Young; and three brothers, Lee, Charles, and William Young.
Surviving are his four children, Eric (Candace Ulrich) Young of St. Louis, MO,
Scott Young of Millstadt, IL,
Mark (Deborah) Young of Belleville, IL,
and Laurel Young (Ron Frauenfelder) of Belleville, IL;
his daughter-in-law, Patricia Young, wife of the late Jan Young;
eleven grandchildren, John (Heather) Young and Elizabeth Young,
Polly Young (Jose Miquel Fernandez),
Grace, Charlotte, Catherine, Olivia, and Audrey Young,
Laurel Young,
and Joseph and Anna Bullard;
four great-grandchildren, Colton, Alice, Emelia, and Lewis;
and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows or to Blessed Sacrament Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 15, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Matthew Elie and Fr. Clyde Grogan concelebrating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.