In Memory of Roger L. Young

Roger L. Young, Age 82, of Hartley, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, a t the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held an hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Ken Miller will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Battle Creek, Iowa, with Military Rites by the Arthur W. Kirchhoff American Legion Post # 288 of Hartley, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Roger Lee Young, the son of Andy and Winnifred (Mortensen) Young, was born on April 11, 1944, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He grew up in the Danbury, Iowa, area, where he received his education.

At the age of 19, Roger answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. Following basic training, he was stationed overseas in Germany. It was during his time there that Roger met the love of his life, Marianne Beil, beginning a love story that would span a lifetime. The couple eventually returned to the United States, and Roger was honorably discharged from military service.

On July 29, 1966, Roger and Marianne were united in marriage in Pender, Nebraska. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Martina, Susanna, Duane, and Robert. Together, they built their life and raised their family in the Schleswig, Iowa, area, where they made their home for many years.

In 1990, Roger and Marianne relocated to Lexington, Nebraska, where Roger continued his career with IBP, later Tyson Foods. A dedicated and hardworking man, Roger devoted 42 years to the company before retiring in 2007. Following his retirement, he moved to Hartley, Iowa, allowing him to be closer to their family and grandchildren.

Roger was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and could often be found tinkering in the garage, fixing just about anything that needed attention. He especially enjoyed working on his 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, which was a great source of pride. Roger entered the car in numerous car shows throughout the years and proudly brought home several trophies. He also treasured time spent fishing with his brother, Darrel, creating many special memories together.

Proud of his military service, Roger continued his dedication to his fellow veterans through his membership in the Hartley American Legion Post No. 288 in Hartley, Iowa. He carried a deep sense of pride for his country and the years he spent in service to it.

At the end of the day, Roger could often be found enjoying the simple comforts of home with his faithful four-legged companion, Lilly, by his side and a bowl of ice cream in hand. These quiet moments were among the simple pleasures that made life special.

Above all else, Roger's greatest joy was his family. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children and especially delighted in watching his family grow through the generations. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, and their visits never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Roger is survived by his children Martina (Greg) Jahn of Omaha, NE, Susanna Schweikert of Omaha, NE, Duane Young of Spencer, IA, and Robert (Missy) Young of Hartley, IA; grandchildren: John (Joy) Freese, Brigitte Freese, Christopher (Sam) Jahn, Tiffany Jahn (special friend Buddy), Amber (Jeremy) Berry, Daniel (Caitlyn) Hopper, Deanna (Curtis) Cramm, Joseph/Lyse (Trish) Hopper, Shyanne Zandstra, Tanner Young, and Devin (Katelyn) Young; 26 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Darrel Young of Primghar, IA; sister-in-law Diane Young of Battle Creek, IA; cousin Ardith Nelson of Swanville, MN; and beloved four legged companion Lilly.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents Andy and Winnifred Young, wife Marianne Young (2006), siblings Beverly (Laverne) Henshen and Dennis Young, and sister-in-law Dianne Young.