John D. Young

John D. Young, 80, of Viola died Monday, April 29, 2013. Normal 0 false false false John David Young, 80, of Viola died Monday, April 29, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. John was born October 30, 1932 in Oconomowoc, WI, to Pahl and Orezalle (McDonald) Young. After earning his Eagle Scout he graduated high school in Elroy in 1950. He then attended the UW La Crosse and graduated in 1954 with a degree in recreation and physical education. On June 28, 1958 he was united in marriage to Sara Margaret Phillips (Bobbie). Shortly after his marriage he graduated from the UW Madison earning a Masters Degree in 1959. After college John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. John taught drivers and health education for five years at Kickapoo High School. He later became the principal of the high school where he retired after 22 years in that position. He was very active in the community being a charter member of the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad as well as Vernon County Crime Stoppers. He served as the first and only Ridge and Valley Conference Commissioner for over 40 years; served on various church committees; was a past board member of Vernon Memorial Hospital, Douglas Mental Health as well as the Family and Childrens Center of La Crosse; was a member of the Viola Legion; and was an active member of the Viola United Methodist Church serving on many committees throughout the years including being Chairman of the Viola UMC Church Council. John traveled extensively around the world, the highlight being a Mediterranean cruise with his family for his 50th Wedding Anniversary. He was a cross country and track official for 46 years. He enjoyed working outside, grilling meals, making wine, playing cards and cribbage and was an avid Packer, Badger and Cub fan. He loved jazz music and was known to travel to jazz festivals across the country. John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren taking them to the circus and Brewer games. John is survived by his wife Sara "Bobbie"; children Robin (Chris) Beeman of Marshfield, and Melissa (Bill) Nigh of Mellen; grandchildren Nicholas and Krysten Beeman, and Zack Nigh; siblings Patricia (John) Kuhn of Racine, and Pahl (Ruth) Young of Las Vegas; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life jazz service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Viola United Methodist Church. Pastor Wayne Hull will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Friends may also call on Saturday morning from 10 am until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be designated for a charity or charities at a later date. The Vosseteig Funeral Homes Henthorn Memorial Center of Viola and the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua are serving the family.