Name: Memorial Gathering for YOUNG HONG
Start: 2019-06-17T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-06-18T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services - Belvidere

Young Hong

Born: January 3, 1942

Died: May 26, 2019,

On Sunday, May 26, 2019, the World lost one of the funniest, craziest and toughest guys on the planet - Grand Master Young Hong. He was diagnosed with cancer about two months ago (experiencing pain for four months). It tore through his body like lightning. Young was born January 3, 1942 in Seoul, Korea the son of Hong, Sam Bong and (Yim) Soon Duk. As a little boy, he witnessed the atrocities of war in Korea. He taught himself English and while in Germany, nearly died working in the coal mines. When he arrived in New York, he had $27.00 in his pocket. On his first date with Beth, he met her entire family as he invited himself to her family picnic. Beth Adamson and Young were married on November 23, 1968 at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere. Young established Young Hong Karate Institute in Belvidere and Woodstock, IL. He was a former judge for Chuck Norris' black belt test in Detroit, MI. Young's toughness was exemplified in having his wisdom teeth pulled without the use of anesthetic. Young enjoyed many life events with many stories to accompany them. For instance, the time he sang with Dean Martin. Young was proud to be an American; he was good, honest, loyal and a hardworking man who lived the American dream. He will be remembered by his children and grandchildren as the greatest grandpa ever.

Young is loved and will be missed by his wife, Beth; children, Jacob (Laura) Hong of O'Fallon, IL, Justen (Nicole) Hong of O'Fallon, IL, Jessica (Tom) Tanner of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Andrew and Jack Hong, Benjamin and Colten Hong, Barrett and River Tanner; brothers, Kyung Hwan Hong and Kyung Ho Hong; sister, Jung Soon Hong, numerous nieces and nephews. Young is preceded in death by his parents, son Steven and two brothers and one sister.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL. Private family services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society (www.main.acsevents.org/goto/younghong or to Zion Lutheran Church, 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL. To share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Herald on Jun. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for YOUNG HONG

Sponsored by Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services - Belvidere.

10 Entries

Anthony Alejandro

July 27, 2024

Mr Hong taught me martial arts when I was a child and he taught me respect discipline and self-defense. Je was a very loving person. I loveed him very much and he will be missed. Anthony Alejandro

Sylvia Ohlrich

December 2, 2022

Wishing your family peace and longevity. Young was my teacher when I was 14 years old. I attended classes at the church in Woodstock and acquired a green belt, perhaps a year and a half? But will say that I continue to use the stretches that he taught me until this day.

John Heide

August 6, 2019

One of my best memories of Master Hong was his poking me in my belly and accusing me of eating too many french fries. I thought that it was hilarious. This was more than twenty years ago when you could get away with making fun of your students and being hard on them. I learned so much beyond his humor and expertise. I would gladly do many more push ups on my knuckles, stretch myself out beyond possibility, and run myself ever dizzy if it meant that I could have more time learning from him. Thank you, Master Hong.

Tracy Salathe

June 15, 2019

Mr. Hong was a mentor, and a fantastic teacher, not only in Martial Arts, but life lessons as well. He taught me discipline, and respect for myself, as well as others. I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to his family and closest friends in your time of grief and morning. May this wonderful man rest in peace!

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Ross Anderson

June 13, 2019

I knew and worked with Young IL Hong during the early 1970's. He told me that he was sure that I wouldn't make past stretching and a white belt! With patience and discipline he helped me get past my bad temper to live a disciplined life eventually becoming a 2nd degree black belt and one of his instructors. He was indeed a great man!

Barry Smith

June 12, 2019

My very first martial arts instructor when I was 17-18 years old. He taught the advantages of discipline and hard work.

June 10, 2019

Very respected man we will miss. Mentor and teacher to many children as well as adults. We will miss you.

John Rinaldo

June 9, 2019

What a wonderful man. I went to his karate institute for over 3 years. He was a great inspiration to me.

David Englund

June 9, 2019

Mr. Hong commanded respect just by walking into the room. My children and I enjoyed learning karate from him.

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