On Sunday, May 26, 2019, the World
lost one of the funniest, craziest and toughest guys on the planet
– Grand Master Young Hong. He was diagnosed with cancer about two months ago (experiencing pain for
four months)Ittore through his
body like lightning. Young was born January 3, 1942 in Seoul, Korea the
son of Hong, Sam Bong and (Yim) Soon Duk. As a little boy, he witnessed the atrocities of war in Korea. He taught himself English and while in Germany, nearly died
working in the coal mines. When he arrived in New York, he had $27.00 in his pocket. On his first date
with Beth, he met her entire family as he invited himself to her
family picnic. Beth Adamson and Young were married on November 23, 1968
at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere. Young established Young Hong Karate
Institute in Belvidere and Woodstock, IL. He was a former judge for
Chuck Norris' black belt test in Detroit, MI. Young's toughness was
exemplified in having his wisdom teeth pulled without the use of
anesthetic. Young enjoyed many life events with many storiesto accompany them. For
instance, the time he sang with Dean
Martin. Young was proud to be an American; he was good, honest, loyal and
a hardworking man who lived the American dream. He will be remembered by
his children and grandchildren as the greatest grandpa ever.

Young is loved and will be missed
by his wife, Beth; children, Jacob (Laura) Hong of O'Fallon, IL, Justen
(Nicole) Hong of O'Fallon, IL, Jessica (Tom) Tanner of Tampa, FL;
grandchildren, Andrew and Jack Hong, Benjamin and Colten Hong, Barrett and
River Tanner; brothers, Kyung Hwan Hong and Kyung Ho Hong; sister, Jung Soon
Hong, numerous nieces and nephews. Young is preceded in death by his
parents, son Steven and two brothersand one sister.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL. Private family services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society(http://main.acsevents.org/goto/younghong)or to Zion Lutheran Church, 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL. To share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.