LIVE STREAM FOR JOHN YOUNG CLICK HERE

In memory of John H. Young (65), born June 1, 1960, who went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2025.

As a son of Boone County, he attended Caledonia Elementary School, Belvidere Middle School, and Belvidere High School. His parents owned and operated the Belvidere TrueValue Hardware Store for over twenty-seven years, where John worked throughout school, including his first year of law school.

John was elected to the Boone County Board from 1996-2002. His public service continued when John was appointed Associate Judge in 2007 and served until he retired in 2022. For almost all of his judicial career, he was assigned to Boone County. John's love for his community and his upstanding character was exemplified by being prepared, working hard, showing kindness and understanding, and ultimately, embodying Micah 6:8 "What does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

In his younger days, John was a gifted athlete, making several BYB (Belvidere Youth Baseball) All Star teams, starting for BHS (Belvidere High School) basketball, and Judson College basketball and baseball. He attended Judson College on a basketball and baseball scholarship. When asked, he would deflect: "That was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." In later years, he took up golf and was a proud member of the Timber Pointe Golf Club since 2008.

John was a devoted husband, proud father, and doting grandfather.

John and Ann Dempsey were married August 28, 2021. They practiced their vows and love in sickness and in health, and they were each other's devoted caregiver. John liked to say: "Difficult times are made easier with the right person." Their marriage was filled with much laughter and a deep joy that touched those around them.

As a proud father, John attended every school event. He intentionally learned his kids' interests and participated in them, such as golfing with Michael, watching Badger games with Gloria, and attending the Joffrey Nutcracker with Andrea.

He delighted in being "Papa John" to his grandsons John Parker and Luke Young. His endearing nickname was fitting, as he always showed up to a get-together with the boys' favorite pizza.

John enjoyed spending time at his parents' lake house on Lake Ripley, Wisconsin, watching the kids waterski and tube until the "boat was tired." Sitting around the patio, he was known for sharing "Young folklore" stories and dad jokes with his sisters, nieces, and nephews. Visiting with friends and family and watching the lake from the patio swing was his favorite thing to do.

He will be missed by his spouse: Ann; children: John Michael Young, Gloria (Josh) Kok, and Andrea Werner; grandchildren: John Parker and Luke Young; sisters: Joan (Shannon) Tenney and Jean Young; nephews and nieces: Stephen (Laura) Tenney, Sarah Tenney, Rachel (Michael) Holmes, Rebecca (Tyler) Thomas, and Arthur Young. He is predeceased by his parents Jack & Ella Mae Young.

John's memorial visitation will be Saturday, January 10th between the hours of 10:00am and 12:00pm at Anderson Funeral Home. Located at 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008. Memorial service to follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, and in gratitude for the outstanding care John received at UW Carbone Cancer Center in Rockford for pancreatic cancer, donations can be made to the Swedish American Health Foundation (SAHF) Carbone Cancer Center , in John's memory. If flowers are sent, in memory of John, please click here