John L. Young, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, at St. Columbkille Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, is entrusted with arrangements.

John was born on July 3, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Roy and Thelma (Rank) Young. He married the love of his life, Janet Hendricks, in 1963 at Nativity Church, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 63 wonderful years.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a hardworking man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, cooking, golfing, and softball. During his early softball days, he earned the nickname “Lefty,” a name that remained with him throughout his life and brought smiles to family and lifelong friends.

Anyone who knew John knew that the grass always seemed greener in his yard. His flower gardens were the envy of the neighborhood, a reflection of the pride, patience, and care he poured into everything he did.

When he wasn’t spending time with his beloved family, John could often be found on the golf course. His favorite day of the week was Thursday, when he enjoyed golfing with his buddies. Besides golf, John was an avid sportsman. He had a lifetime love of the Chicago BEARS & the LA Dodgers. He also enjoyed spending time on Wednesday’s meeting for dinner with his friends from his graduating class at Loras Academy. They called themselves the Gubs.

John also expressed his love through food. No one ever left his table hungry. His legendary family dinners were prepared with love and always included something for everyone—even the pickiest eaters. His famous “must-go” dishes became a cherished family tradition.

Above all else, John treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Janet; daughter, Kerry (Scott) Douglas; daughter-in-law, Laura Gassman; grandchildren, Seth Godwin, Maranda (Emily) Peterson, Chelsea Young, and Olivia (Cameron) Moss; great-grandchildren; sisters, Pat Link and Susan Young; brother, Jim Young; niece, Diane Mahoney and Stacy Young; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo (Jerry) Klinkhammer, Bob (Kathy) Hendricks, Bob Cate, and John Walsh.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Christopher and Kevin Young; his parents, Roy and Thelma Young; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Leo Link, Don Hendricks, Terry Hendricks, Sharon Cate, and Sheila Walsh.

Memorials may be given to Dubuque Rescue Mission or Crescent Community Health.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at Care Initiatives, the Care Initiatives Hospice team, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Meriter Hospital in Madison for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.

John’s legacy will live on in every beautifully tended garden, every round of golf shared among friends, every family meal enjoyed together, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.