Ronald K. Young

Ron said many times during the later decades of his life that he never imagined he would have the wonderful life he had and that, whenever God was ready for him, he was ready to go.

This week, God called Ron to his heavenly home on March 16, 2026, at the age of 89.

Ron was born on July 11, 1936, in Fargo, North Dakota, and as he grew up, he attended 13 different schools across Illinois, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Directly out of high school, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent time in Germany as a tank turret mechanic. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin system, first in Eau Claire and then at Stout, where he graduated in Industrial Technology and met his wife, Rita. On December 19, 1959, Ron married his beloved bride, they finished college, and Ron began working in industry. On Thanksgiving night 1961, Ron decided to go to church and accepted the gift of salvation, marking a wonderful transformation in his life’s journey. His next steps included attending Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary (now Cornerstone University), eventually graduating with a Master’s Degree in Religious Education.

In 1966, Ron moved with his family to Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, where he served his Lord for 49 years to the best of his ability—serving, building, discipling, and teaching, because he deeply loved God and all His people. While there, he was associated with Baptist Mid-Missions, Fortaleza Academy for missionary children, Colégio Kerigma, and Igreja Batista Central (Central Baptist Church), where he developed deeply meaningful friendships and community. Upon retirement, Ron and Rita settled into an apartment in Clinton and Melanie’s home in West Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after moving back to the States, Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Even as his memory and body gradually failed over the last decade, Ron always expressed an instinctive love for his friends and family around the world. Even when he couldn’t recognize them or remember how they fit into his life, the emotional connection remained. More importantly he never wavered in his love for the Lord as evidenced by his singing and worship.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rita; his children, Cameron Young (Dianne), Clinton Young (Melanie), and Tavia Kelly (Brian); his grandchildren, Cassianna Young, Giovanna Young, Nathan Kelly (Andrea), Ansley Casey (Patrick), Bria Kelly, Clarissa Van Tholen (Patrick), Lydia Young (fiancé Haidyn Breeding), and Hannah Young; and his great-grandchildren, Callie, Brynn, and Margot, with a Kelly great-grandson expected in April.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hultgren Funeral Home, 565 Randy Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at McHenry County Memorial Park, 11301 Lake Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. Following the interment, a memorial luncheon will be held at Jimmie's Charhouse, 2290 Point Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60123. Please RSVP for the luncheon through this link.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000 Boone NC 2860.