Richard 'Rich' Joseph Young, 78, of Cloquet, passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Miller-Dwan Medical Center in Duluth. He was born May 29, 1929, in Cloquet to Leonard and Helen (Unzen) Young. He graduated from Cloquet High School in 1947. After high school, Rich joined the Marine Corp. and served for three years. He served during the Korean Conflict and received two purple hearts. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Rich was united in marriage to JoAnne (Fuller) Vaineo on April 25, 1953, worked as an electrician for the Northwest Paper Co. in Cloquet for 25 years and then co-owned and operated Richard's Bar in Cloquet for three years. Rich owned and operated a bowling center in Estherville, Iowa for 15 years. He was a lifetime member of the Hebert-Kennedy VFW Post 3979 of Cloquet. He was also a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sawyer. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lorraine Young. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; one son, Dick Young; two daughters, Jody (Robert) Johnson of Isanti, Minn., and Mary (Gary) Thorsten of East Bethel, Minn.; two sisters, Patricia Oist and Maxine (Archie) Putnam, both of Cloquet; three grandchildren, Kari, Amy, and Connor; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rich was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 21, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, and continued on Monday, Oct. 22, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet until the funeral mass, celebrated by Rev. Father Keith Bertram. Music provided by Missy Parker as soloist and Cindy Crotteau as organist. Pallbearers were Robert Johnson, Gary Thorsten, Kenny Young, and Rob Richards. Military honors will be presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Interment services were Tuesday, Oct. 23, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
The family has selected Nelson Funeral Care, Cloquet, 218-879-3225, to assist them with arrangements. See their online guest book at www.legacy.com .
October 25, 2007
- Cloquet, Minn.
