John Edward Young

John Edward Young, 79, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2024. John was born in Milwaukee, WI on August 14, 1945, to Ronald and Geraldine (Merritt) Young and moved to Duluth as a baby, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1963. John married his wife and best friend, Patti, in 1981 in Carson City, NV, and the two enjoyed traveling across the country with friends and family. 

John retired in 2008 after a robust career in telephone and cable construction as a member of the Telephone Pioneers. John was a dedicated community member, performing in parades and competitions as Captain of the Dune Buggy Patrol for the AAD Shrine. He was also an active member of the Ionic Masonic Lodge #186 and the Scottish Rite. But his favorite thing was gathering with friends and family and sharing stories, imparting wisdom with his “John-isms.” John was the cornerstone of the family and those who were loved by him knew he was just a phone call away. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Ronald “Toots” Young, his sisters Betty, Joan, and Linda, and his brothers Ronald, Jackie, and James. He is survived by his wife, Patti; his daughters, Sherri (Steve) Makitalo and Suzanne (Jeff) Ingram; grandchildren, Alyssa, Nicholas, Victoria and Carson; and great grandchildren, Mykayla and Oliver.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30th at 10am at Hope United Methodist Church (301 W. St Marie St, Duluth, MN). The funeral service will follow at 11am, including Masonic funeral rites. John will be laid to rest at the Park Hill Cemetery immediately following. 

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.