Gary Young

Born June 2, 1939, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Wilford and Edith (Garrett) Young, Gary grew up in scenic Tower City, ND. He was the oldest child of three. Gary graduated from Tower City High School (‘57) then NDSU (‘62) with a BS in Business. He served in the US Army from 1962-64 in Étain, France.

Gary married Winnifred “Toni” Woodmansee on September 5, 1964, recently celebrating 60 years of adventures. Together, they lived the American Dream, devoting time to their four children and providing a lifetime of memories.

The couple built their home and Gary enjoyed his large garden, driveway basketball, backyard baseball, and presiding over his yard. He owned a bowling ball, but actually enjoyed tennis, hunting, golf, and cycling.

Despite the nickname Grumpy Gary, he is well known for his humor and heart for service. He volunteered for his church, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross disaster relief, Golden K Kiwanis, BNGSA Softball, and the Elks. He was Illinois Elk of the year in 1984.

Gary retired from State Farm in 2001, and continued to chase children and grandchildren all over the midwest for sports, scouts, or any other activity they showed interest in. He enjoyed Thursday lunches with fellow retirees. Gary and Toni also spent winters in Arizona, finding lifelong friendships there.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Curtis Young and Carolyn Kaster, grandchildren Raef Garrett Young and William Winn Young, and many dear friends.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Toni, children Wendy (Cole) Dooley; Chad (Julie) Young; Kara (Jeremy) Appenzeller; Reid (Kara B) Young; grandchildren Brooke (Clayton) Hamilton, Bryce and Will Dooley; Lily, Gabe, and Haddi Young; Garrett, Grayson, and Edie Appenzeller; Wyatt Young; great-granddaughter London Hamilton; caring in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to join and celebrate his life. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 PM.

Memorials may be sent to Second Presbyterian Church, Red Cross, Golden K Kiwanis, or Illinois Elks Children’s Care.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. Condolences and memories may be shared through EastLawnMemorial.com