Dean Young

Dean Young (84) passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A public visitation will be held on March 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310) with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery (400 NW 54th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313)

Harry Dean Young was born on October 27, 1939, in Evanston, Illinois, to Helen Angela Baumgarten and John Long. Later in life, Helen would meet Frederick Charles Young who would take him as his own and adopt him. The family would later relocate to Des Moines, Iowa, where Dean was raised by his grandparents, attended North High School, graduating with the class of 1958. As a young boy, Dean enjoyed raising rabbits with his grandfather where he learned about genetics, enabling him to breed award winning rabbits. As a young adult, he worked with judges at the state fair.

Upon graduation from high school, Dean went to work as a meat cutter for Pidgeon’s with his grandfather. Later, he went on to work over 20 years with Dahls until his back injury in 1986. While rehabbing from his back injury, Dean was able to focus on his original love for woodworking. Dean was eventually able to turn his love for woodworking into a business with the love and support of his family. Prior to opening a store front, Dean traveled the country with his family doing craft shows.

On May 17, 1975, Dean and Cheryl Ann Ewald were united in marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. And to this union, they were blessed with three children; Victor, Melissa and Suzanne. The family would continue to make their home in the Des Moines area to raise their family. Upon retirement, Dean went to work part-time at Hy-Vee. Dean also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Dean is preceded in death by his mother, Helen; natural father, John and adoptive father, Frederick as well as his beloved grandparents, Fred and Mabel Young.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Cheryl; children, Victor (Stacy) Young, Melissa King, Suzanne (Gary) Young; grandchildren, Christion King, Donovan Young, Makaila King, Ashlyn King and Nathaniel King; great-granddaughter, Paisley King and half-sister, Helen W. Young.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family towards the purchase of a plaque to be placed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in the rabbit and poultry building where Dean was superintendent during the fair.