Gerald "Jerry" A. Young

Gerald “Jerry” Albert Young passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026. He was born to Kathryne (Nordman) and John Vernon Young in Oregon, Illinois, on June 11, 1941. Jerry married Judith Hanrahan on August 12, 1961, in Rock Falls, Illinois. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, music, sports, and unconditional love. Jerry is survived by his daughter Jodi (Dean) Burton, Oregon, Illinois; sons James (Tracy) Young, Oregon, IL; and John Young, Rochelle, IL; grandchildren Tiena (Zani) Banushi, Poplar Grove, IL; Kenneth (Amanda) Giza Jr., Rockton, IL; Nathaniel (Jennifer) Merdian, Surprise, AZ; James (Leah) Burton, Glenburn, ND; Jared (Alesia) Burton, Williams Bay, WI; Bradly (Kylee) Burton, Alexandria, VA; Ashly Burton, Janesville, WI; Anthony (Tyler King) Burton, Minneapolis, MN; Marisa Giza, Clinton, WI; Trevor (Emily) Young, Alliance, NE; Molly (Collin) Lee, Davis Junction, IL; Madison (Allen) Brantley, Oregon, IL; Lauren Young, Davis Junction, IL; Brady Jozefowicz, Oregon, IL; 24 great-grandchildren; his brother Robert (Karen) Young and sister Elsie Mae Hackbarth; brothers-in-law Byron (Donna) Hanrahan, Brooksville, FL; and Michael (Marlyn) Hanrahan, Winter Park, FL; sisters-in-law Kathy Young and Beverly Hanrahan; and many nieces and nephews that were so special to him. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; their son, Gerald Jr.; his parents, Vernon and Kathryne Young; his brother, George Young; his son-in-law, Kenneth Giza Sr.; his parents-in-law, Lois and James Hanrahan; his sister-in-law, Patricia Hanrahan; and his brothers-in-law, Larry Hackbarth and James Hanrahan Jr. For Jerry, home was the Young family farm in Oregon, where he spent most of his life. Homesteaded in 1843, the farm connected him to generations of family history and became a lasting part of his own family’s story. After graduating from Oregon High School, he attended concrete school in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He worked at Acme Resin for 28 years before retiring, while also tending crops and raising livestock on the family farm for much of that time. Farming was woven into his life, and his love for it stayed with him, even in the toy tractors he enjoyed collecting. His loyalty to tractors could be summed up in a simple phrase: ‘If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed.’ St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon was another constant in Jerry's life. At the time of his passing, he was the church's oldest baptized member—a connection that stretched across a lifetime of worship, service, and fellowship. He served on the church council and in many other capacities over the years, sharing his time and talents with the congregation that meant so much to him. Music held a special place in his heart, too. His beautiful singing voice is one of the gifts his family will remember with love. Jerry's life was filled with connections to the community he called home. He was a member of the Lions Club and the Blackhawk Twirlers Square Dance Club, belonged to the Farm Bureau for many years, and actively participated with the local FFA chapter. He also served on horseback with the Ogle County Sheriff's Department. These were not simply organizations on a list; they were part of a life spent taking part, staying connected, and sharing his interests with others. Some of the most meaningful moments were the ones Jerry shared with his family. He enjoyed softball, basketball, and bowling, but playing church league softball alongside his children was especially dear to him. He taught them lessons at the plate while leaving memories of their dad that they could carry long after the game was over. Whether playing sports or square dancing, Jerry found joy in being active and sharing life with his family and others. Retirement gave Jerry and Judy another chapter together. After retiring from Acme Resin, he worked for the Oregon Park District for 13 years. He and Judy spent summers as camp hosts at Lowden State Park and wintered in Brooksville, Florida, making those seasons part of their life together. From the farm that held generations of family history to the church, the softball field, and the campground, Jerry's story is one of deep roots and shared moments. His family will remember not only the things he did but the sound of his singing, the games they played together, and the familiar places that will always bring him to mind. A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9:00–10:45 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 114 S. 5th Street in Oregon, Illinois. Pastor Therese Whitten will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home or to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

https://serenityhospiceandhome.org