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John "Jack" Young, 86, went to be with the Lord on April 6, 2022, surrounded by his wife and family, in his home where he had lived for over 50 years.

Jack was born in Sault ("Soo") Ste. Marie, Michigan on November 3, 1935, the son of Arthur and Margaret Young. Jack graduated from Soo High School, where he met and dated his high school sweetheart - Ella Mae Crimin. They were married on September 20, 1958 and were inseparable for the next 63 years. Jack would often say: "isn't she amazing," with a smile and twinkle in his bright, blue eyes.

Jack and Ella Mae owned and operated the Belvidere True Value Hardware Store together for over 27 years. Jack was able to fix anything and simply explain to others how they could as well. He was warm, witty and had a gift for storytelling. He was outgoing and never met a stranger; everyone was a friend.

An active member of the Temple Baptist Church for more than 50 years, Jack taught Sunday school, was a leader with the Stockade Program, and was on the Building and Grounds Committee. For a number of years, Jack hosted the annual Fourth of July Church Picnic at his home's park-like yard. Jack enjoyed the annual bus trips taken by the retired group the "Prime Timers."

Jack was a skilled woodworker and especially liked to create intarsia. Many were of Biblical scenes or God's creatures and reflected his lifelong faith. He liked to say he spent time in his barn woodshop "creating sawdust." He generously donated many beautiful pieces of his art to charities, churches, community organizations and friends and family. When asked why he never sold any of his art, he responded that if he wanted to sell anything "he would have stayed in retail."

His greatest joy was spending time at his Cottage on Lake Ripley with family, neighbors, and friends. "Captain Jack" was adept at pulling skiers and tubers behind his speedboat. Most days at the lake ended with a sunset cruise on the pontoon boat.

Jack was a devoted husband, proud father, doting grandfather and great grandfather. Jack will be missed by his children: John (Ann Dempsey) Young, Joan (Shannon) Tenney, and Jean Young; his grandchildren: Stephen (Laura) Tenney, Sarah Tenney, Rachel Tenney, Rebecca (Tyler) Thomas, John Michael (Kelsey) Young, Gloria (Josh) Kok, Arthur Young and Andrea Werner; his great grandchildren: Parker and Lukas Young; his sisters: Ann Young and Eleanor McFarland.

He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Ruth Poppe, and brother-in-laws: Tom Crimin, Dale McFarland, and Robert Poppe.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm with a service beginning at 2:00 pm at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, Illinois. To share a memory or condolence visit Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services website - andersonfcs.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crosspoint Church (formerly Temple Baptist Church) or OSF Hospice.