Jack John Young Jr.

Jack John Young Jr., of Tallmadge Township, formerly of Byron Township, passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on April 27, 1935, at the family home on Adams Street in Jamestown Township, the son of Jacob John "Jack" Young Sr. and Eva Ida Campeau. He grew up in Jamestown Township with his siblings Charlene, Richard, Ilene, and Patricia. Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, Jack remained devoted to his church throughout his life, he spent countless hours serving at church, school, community, and his country. Jack enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard in 1953, serving until his discharge in 1959. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1962. On May 8, 1954, Jack married Marjorie Ann Postema at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Byron Township. Together they built a life and family, raising four children. Their love for each other was apparent to everyone who knew them, shining through in the way they cared for their family and supported one another. Jack and Marjorie shared a special joy for dancing, and they could often be found gliding across the floor at dance nights, delighting in each other's company and the music. In 1958, Jack and Marjorie established their home on 82nd Street in Byron Township, where they lived for many decades. They grew fruits and vegetables in their garden, canning so many of them. The homemade applesauce was every grandchild's favorite. Their home was a welcoming place for family and friends to gather. Jack was a great cook and loved to entertain with card games and snacks. His children and grandchildren loved his weekly Sunday fried chicken dinners growing up among many other favorites, including his piled high rhubarb pie. Sunday visits with both his parents and his in-laws were important to the family. Jack worked at Wolverine Carton Company, General Motors, a gravel pit with his uncle, and Colonial Bakery before working at Steelcase Inc. in 1964. He was employed as a hilo driver and plating specialist until his retirement in 1990, marking more than 25 years of dedicated service. Along the way, Jack shared numerous stories of his work with his family, and three children eventually joined him at Steelcase. During retirement, Jack enjoyed playing golf with his friends, fishing, camping, and traveling. They also loved attending as many concerts, & sporting events of their grandkids as possible. He is survived by his children, Kevin (Cynthia Hoppe) Young, Christine (Dave) Burgess, Cheryl (Paul) Winkler, and Nancy (Mike) Gillette; grandchildren, Megan Young, Bryce Young, Lisa Burgess, Jill (Alex) King, Kelly (Alex) Nelson, Erin (Dylan) Carroll, Joel Burgess, Ryan Black, Ryan (Megan) Gillette, and Rachael (Cory) Cushman; great grandchildren, Isaiah, Elliana, and Brayden King, Samantha Nelson, Esmay Gillette, and Kinley Cushman; his sister Charlene Elderkin; sisters-in-law Carmen Young and Eileen DeMann; brother-in-law, Robert Postema, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, his parents Jacob and Eva, and his siblings Richard, Ilene, and Patricia. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Green Acres of Standale for their compassionate care and support over the past two years. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 16, from 5 to 8 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508, and one hour prior to Mass on Wednesday at church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10 AM with a one-hour visitation prior from 9 to 10 AM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave SW, Byron Center, 49315, with Monsignor William Duncan as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery.