LaVerne D. Young

LaVerne D. Young, 71, Woodstock, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. 

He was born Jan. 17, 1943, to Earl and Genevieve (Filip) Young in Woodstock. 

A lifelong resident, he graduated from Woodstock High School in 1961 and was a member of the celebrated North Suburban champion football team.

On July 22, 1967, he married Edwina Gawlik in Chicago, and he would often say she was the catch of his life.

He served in the Navy in Vietnam, and later he was a pay technician at the Great Lakes Naval base, accumulating 20 years of military service. He also worked for UPS for 20 years.

His love for the outdoors led him to become a hunter instructor with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for six years and a master instructor in McHenry County for 25 years.There was almost always a well-loved dog at his side during his hunting and fishing activities.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years; his faithful companion, Biscuit; his nephew, Scott (Christine) Ritzert; a great-nephew, Jeremy Ritzert; and a great-niece, Allison Ritzert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Joyce Ritzert.

Visitation was April 25, and the funeral  was April 26 at Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home. Burial was at the McHenry County Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to either Helping Paws, 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098 or American Brittney Rescue, 731 Ridgehaven Drive, LaHabra, CA 90631,  info@AmericanBrittanyRescue.org.