It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard John Young on March 21, 2024, at his home in New Holstein, Wisconsin. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage, and he stayed strong until the end.

Rick, as he was known to many in the area, was born December 24, 1944, to Joseph and Marie (Palecek) Young in Milwaukee, WI. His family moved to Marshfield, WI where Rick attended Marshfield Senior High School. Shortly after graduating in 1963, Rick enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War having been part of the nucleus crew of the USS Colleton (APB-36). While attached to the Colleton, he served as part of Mekong Delta River Flotilla One. Rick was honorably discharged in 1968, and over time, was able to complete his education at Concordia University Wisconsin.

Following his proud military service, Rick was the founder and CEO of multiple companies in Racine, WI. These included: Racine Paper Company, Midwest Quality Graphics, and Belle City Container. He would later work in the sales department for HG Weber Company in Kiel, WI where he would meet his wife, Patricia. After some time at HG Weber, he founded another company, Fairway Sales, which specialized in selling capital equipment to the flexible packaging, and paper and packaging industries. Rick enjoyed and took great pride in his work and would continue until his retirement in 2015.

Rick was very outgoing and had many interests. Two of the most loved were playing golf and riding motorcycles. He was a member of the George Washington Masonic Lodge and, as a Shriner, rode Harley Davidson motorcycles with the Tripoli Motor Corps. Rick was also a member of Toastmasters International, and active in Habitat for Humanity, serving on the Board of Directors of the Between the Lakes and Greater Fox Cities groups. He was also an avid sailor and past member of the Racine Yacht Club. On his 30-foot sloop, Moxie, he raced in many Queen's Cup races across Lake Michigan. Rick was also a life member of the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).

Even with all that Rick has done and accomplished over the years, nothing gave him greater joy and pleasure than his family. Rick loved being a "Grandpa" and was proud to watch his grandchildren grow into kind and responsible adults, regularly sharing their achievements with friends.

Rick will be greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Patricia; children, Holly (Brian) Kuester of Sheboygan Falls, WI and Jamie (Kathrin) Bowe of Cameron, NC; grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mikayla Bowe, both of Madison, WI; and Brayden Kuester of Richfield, MN; his siblings, Iris Rasmussen of Marshfield, WI and David (Patti) Young of Schoolcraft, MI; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald Young; sister-in-law, Ardean Young; and brother-in-law, Roger Rasmussen.

Rick will be honored in a private family celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Saint Jude, organizations Rick felt strongly about.

In tribute to his military service, Military Honors will be presented by the State Military Honors and New Holstein American Legion Post 124 following Rick's celebration of life.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the angels at Compassus Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Rick and his family. Their kindness helped guide us through very difficult days.