Richard Young, Conservationist, WWII Veteran

Richard N Young, age 86 years, of Oswego, IL died Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL. 

He was born October 27, 1924 in Aurora, IL the son of the late Dwight S and Esther L nee Sprague Young. Dick was employed for many years as the county environmentalist for Kane County until 1987 and then continued to work as a consultant until his retirement in 2008. He was also a co-founder and director of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District. Notably he had a forest preserve named after him in both Kendall and Kane Counties. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Dick served his country honorably with the USMC during World War II surviving Iwo Jima.  

Dick is survived by two daughters Carol (Thomas) Erazmus of Kankakee, IL, Linda (Keith) Johnson of Oswego, IL, two sons Tim (Arlene) Young of Oswego, IL, David (Jane) Young of Green Mountain Falls, CO; seven grandchildren Melanie, Tony and Alison Erazmus, Lisa (Matt) Butkus, Scott (Jen) Johnson, Greg Young and Nick Neuman; three great grandchildren Lexi, Dylan and Charlie; two brothers Stan (Lydia) Young of Mena, AR, John (Lorna) Young of Scottsdale, AZ; several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Charlene nee Schultz Young and a sister Margaret Waterstreet.  

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY at 1801 So Douglas Rd in Oswego, IL.  

Funeral  service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Good Shepherd at Washington/Madison Sts in Oswego, IL. Military honors will be given after the funeral service at the church.  Cremation will take place followed by burial at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, IL.    In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either the Church of the Good Shepherd or the Conservation Foundation.