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JESSE WILLET ALFRED YOUNG
August 29, 1918 - May 10, 2016

Jesse  Willet Alfred Young was born August 29, 1918 on his parent’s farm in rural Hesper Twp, Winneshiek County, Iowa.  He was the son of Alfred and Emma (Grindeland) Young.  Jesse was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust and attended the rural schools. 

On February 14, 1942 he married LaVonne Safford at the Lutheran Parsonage in Cresco, Iowa.  Together they raised their four children, Robert, Emma, Phillip and Willet on the family farm.

Jesse farmed until 1977, where he raised hogs, beef cattle, chickens, milk cows, and a huge garden having everything one would need to be self supportive. After farming Jesse did local livestock and grain trucking until he retired in 1993.  In 2001 Jesse and LaVonne moved from the farm to Waukon, IA.

Jesse enjoyed the simple things in life, especially the delicious pies and cookies that LaVonne made for him.  Jesse was known for his hard work habits and willingness to help others in their time of need.

Jesse passed away Tuesday night, May 10, 2016, at the Northgate Care Center in Waukon, Iowa., at the age of 97.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 74 years, LaVonne;  his daughter-in-law Sandy (Vern Gavle), (previously married to Robert) of Decorah;  his daughter, Emma Thompson (Bud Gavle), (previously married to Frederick) of Decorah;  his sons, Phillip (Sheryl) of Waukon; and Willet (Rhonda) of Decorah; 

Twelve grandchildren; Bobbie Kay (Jeff Brink) of Waukon; Ronald Young of Ossian; Nancy (Aaron) Gipp of Decorah;  Kathryn Thompson of Dorchester;  Maynard (Rhonda) Thompson of Cresco; Brandon (Erika) Young of Denver, CO.; Blair Young of Los Angeles, CA.; Brea Young of Tampa, FL.;  Shannon Young (Daniel Fullhart); Jordan (Hannah) Young; Justin Young; and Ryan Young (Lexy Lloyd) all of Decorah, IA.

Sixteen great-grandchildren; Robert and Jesse Anderson; Joseph, Victoria and Cassidy Young; Isabella Gipp; Justin and Michael Bigler; Bryer, Trystin, Brayden and Brenden Thompson; Alexus and Jayda Romero; Colton and Kinley Young.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Emma; sister, Evelyn (Walter Quandahl);  son, Robert Young;  son-in-law, Frederick Thompson;  brother-in-law, Charles Safford and his wife, Imogene;  niece, Carmelita Deters (Allen);  grandson,  Frederick Thompson Jr.; and great grandson, Thomas Young. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016 at the Scheie Lutheran Church, Mabel, Minnesota with Pastor Mary Waudby officiating. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to services at the church. Burial will be at the Locust Cemetery. Music provided by Kathryn Thompson and Linda Gjerdrum.  Honorary Pallbearer; Philip Richert.

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