Ralph E. Young

Ralph Edward Young, 82, of Cedar Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born July 11, 1943, in Edmore, MI, to Duane and Effa (Somers) Young.

Ralph grew up on the family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic. He attended Central Michigan University, earning a degree in Chemistry, and after being the first in his family to graduate from college, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army in 1966. Captain Young served from 1966 to 1972, serving in Europe and completing a tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, earning a Bronze Star. He returned home in 1972 and completed a second degree in Accounting at CMU where he also met his wife, Karen.

Ralph married Karen and moved to Grand Rapids, MI in 1976 and had their son, Ken, together in 1991. Ralph worked for 33 years at the General Motors plant in Wyoming, MI. He held various roles during his career, retiring as Health and Safety Director in 2009.

Ralph was devoted to his family and had a lifelong love of science and technology. He was always building and fixing things, a passion that became a way he connected with his son. Ralph’s physical legacy will be remembered in the home he designed and built himself for his family in Cedar Springs. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and photography, and throughout his life he loved dogs and animals. In later years, he enjoyed tending the property and reading The Wall Street Journal and scientific magazines.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Karen; his son, Ken Young; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Young.

The family will receive friends from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at K.E. Pike Funeral Home in Cedar Springs. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 30 a the funeral home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Michelle Vallier of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery, Fremont Township, Michigan.