Kenneth Young
Kenneth Young Obituary
Kenneth Wayne Young died on March 27, 2024, from complications from acute myeloid leukemia. Kenny was born on August 13, 1958, in Burbank California to Dean and JoAnn Young. His siblings were Dennis, Cathy, Pat, and Laura.
His family moved from California to Kingsley, Iowa, during his 7th grade year. And, at the age of 14, he met his buddy for life, Ruth Grabe. He gave her conversation hearts at a winter sledding party, the first of many sweet memories.
In high school, Kenny played football, basketball, and baseball and was Student Body President his senior year. He graduated from Kingsley-Pierson High School in 1976 and joined Ruth at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During each of his four years at Augie, he was a starter for the baseball team.
Kenny and Ruth were married on August 5, 1978. He graduated from Augie in 1980 and they moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he taught and coached at Mazama High School for 4 years. He then worked as a UPS delivery driver for 34 years. He developed fond relationships with the people, goats, and dogs along his route, and they were always happy to see a brown truck coming their way knowing Kenny was stopping by. Kenny was a member of Klamath Lutheran Church for 44 years. Despite chronic pain from many back surgeries he remained “on top of the world,” and through the challenges from his cancer journey, he maintained hope.
Being a dad and a grandpa were the greatest joys of Kenny’s life. Sweet family memories were made on road trips to the Midwest, camping, and cheering for his daughters around the region at basketball and softball tournaments. He loved following the Dodgers, Augie baseball, and OIT basketball. Kenny loved going to the movies in his dedicated movie clothes, eating refillable buckets of popcorn, and sneaking in Hot Tamales and Junior Mints. His lawn and Christmas lights were impeccable. He may have been bummed his daughters never worked at KFC or Taco Bell to get him a discount, though trips to DQ were a reward for any accomplishment.
Kenny had a big laugh and his grandkids elicited many of them. They loved his snuggles, tickles, and jokes. From early morning cartoons to preschool drop-offs to sips of Grandpa Water, they made him endlessly happy and the adoration was mutual. He was the fun one. He spent countless hours viewing pictures and videos of them when they weren’t around. They are so lucky to have been loved by him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Pat Young, sisters Laura Corl and Cathy Straits, brother-in-law Jerry Straits, nieces Jenni Straits and Mandy Flynn, in-laws Marvin and Frances Grabe, and close friend Jim Wilson.
Kenny is survived by his cherished wife of 45 years, Ruth; favorite daughters Lori (Don) Neptun and Angie (Gerard) Marin; and precious grandchildren Penelope Neptun, Kenzo Neptun, Faye Marin, Trixie Marin, and Cece Marin. Other family members include brother Dennis (Wanda) Young; brothers-in-law Rick Corl, Mark (Cindy) Grabe, Dan Grabe, Bill (Nancy) Grabe; nieces and nephews Amee (Jayme) Hartwell, Krissy (Brendan) Holmes, Dena (Josh) Modin, Danny Corl, Doug Corl, Emily Ward, Kenny Straits, Katy Straits, Alanna Narlock, Todd (Jess) Grabe, Lynn (Josh) Tanner, Kim (Jim) Harms, Robert (Isis) Grabe, Erin (Jason) Cristy, and Sarah Grabe.
Many outstanding medical professionals cared for Kenny during his 4 ½ year battle. The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Hidong Kim and Dr. Erin Gonzales. The staff of the Sky Lakes Infusion Clinic became like family and provided the most compassionate care.
A memorial service will be at Klamath Lutheran Church, 1175 Crescent Avenue, on Saturday, April 6th, at 11 am.
Memorials may be made to Klamath Lutheran Church or Augustana Baseball Scholarships. (Augie.edu/giving Please include a note that the gift is in honor of Kenneth Young, intended for the AU Baseball Athletic Scholarship program.)
Donating blood is a precious gift of life. By giving blood, you can make a significant impact and help save lives. Please donate.
Godspeed, Buddy.
The service will also be available on Zoom, 11 am Pacific Standard Time.
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