As he always said he had to sometime, Bob Young died peacefully on November 18, 2011.
Bob was born on December 29, 1924 in Milwaukee to Robert E. and Elvira Young. He graduated from Washington High School in 1942 and the Marquette University School of Engineering in 1945. While at Marquette, Bob was a member of NROTC and was commissioned as Ensign upon graduation, followed by Lieutenant, serving two terms in the Navy, one in Europe and one in Japan during the Korean War.
On October 11, 1946, Bob married Jeanne Albrecht in Milwaukee. Together they had three children: Timothy Robert (Judy), Barbara Jeanne, and Rebecca Andrea (Al Mitchell).
Bob and Jeanne moved to Horicon in 1953 where they founded the Bob Young Gas & Appliance business. Soon afterwards they started a flooring firm, BYCO Inc, which continues to provide commercial flooring throughout the state of Wisconsin under the direction of Bob's grandson Andres Lezama. The couple moved to Mayville in 1972.
A life-long Rotarian, Bob served as President of both the Horicon and Mayville chapters. While in Horicon, Bob was President of the PTA and involved in Toastmasters and other community endeavors. When he was not doing the crossword puzzles in the "green sheet", he loved fishing, trapshooting, and spending time outdoors. He was an avid golfer who was happy to tell you his handicap was "lack of talent". Old-timers in Horicon will remember that his softball teams regularly competed for the league championship in the 1950-1960's. Other than Sheepshead, his favorite card game was Bridge which he and Jeanne played well competitively until very recently. He loved watching old movies and acted a bit himself with the Marais Players in its early days.
Bob lived by the "Three I Principle": Integrity, Intelligence, and Independence. When Mayo Clinic diagnosed him with an "Unknown Disease of the Central Nervous System" 20 years ago, he did not let it get him down. When his condition robbed him of the ability to walk, he became an expert with a motorized chair. When he lost most of his hearing, he turned up the TV really loud. Though unable to walk and hear clearly, he never complained.
Through the tireless efforts of his wife Jeanne and his incomparable caregiver, Tammy Olig, Bob was able to remain at home until the end. He had a bad day on the day before he died. He was taken to St. Agnes Hospital where his condition stabilized and he was expected to return home. His last words to family members were "Now don't make a big deal about this." (!!!)
Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanne, two sisters, Dodie and Alta, three children, Tim, Babbi and Becki, five grandchildren, Dr. Jill (Dr. Tim) Vollbrecht of Traverse City, Atty. Katherine Young of Madison, Dan (Rona) Lezama of North Carolina, Andres (Lindsey) Lezama of Mayville/Oconomowoc, and Marty Lezama of Omaha, and three great-grandchildren, Anna, Elizabeth, and Zachary Vollbrecht. He is further survived by other relatives, friends, and faithful former employees. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, his sister Mary, many buddies, and beloved pets, most especially his beagle, Snuffy Smith, who traveled many miles with him.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Beaver Dam Homecare Givers, Mayville EMT's, St. Agnes Hospital, neighbors Mike, Carrie and Lucas Petrin, and most especially Tammy Olig (and family) for the wonderful care provided to Bob over the years.
Should a memorial wish be made, the family would appreciate thoughts of the Mayville or Horicon Rotary clubs, the Mayville EMT's, or the Nineweb Conservation Club.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the Cottrill Funeral Home,15 S. Walnut St., Mayville WI, beginning at 1:00 pm with a memorial service at 2:00 pm.