Leonard Jacob Young

Leonard Jacob Young, 80, passed away from lung cancer at Logan Health with his family at his side on March 18, 2023. Services will be held on August 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. William's Catholic Church in Shelby, with a reception to follow at the Shelby Elks Lodge. His ashes will be spread at a later date.

 Leonard was born to James and Ruth Kennedy in Benson, Minnesota, on August 3, 1942, joining his sisters, Sharon and Mary, and later Bonnie. They lived in Benson, Minnesota, and for a short time in Yankton, South Dakota, before moving to Murdoch, Minnesota, where Leonard attended school. Leonard rode the train out to Cut Bank, Montana, in the early 1960s to visit his sister, Mary Grandberg, and her husband, Jerry Grandberg. He worked for various farmers for a few years before going to work for Midboe Construction. He then went to work for the State of Montana Department of Transportation as a mechanic, retiring after twenty-two years, and then worked for Toole County as a blade operator, retiring again after ten years. In 1964 Leonard married Linda Barney and together they had three children, Cheri, Barry, and Michael, later divorcing. In December of 1982, Leonard met his current spouse, Karen, and they were married in January 1992, blending their families Together. They enjoyed their years together bowling, fishing, camping, and golfing. Leonard was a proud member of the Shelby Elks Lodge for thirty-nine years, holding various chairs, was a Past Exalted Ruler and Trustee for the Lodge, and also a Past District Deputy for the State Elks Association. Many fun times were had attending the State and National Elks Conventions throughout the years, meeting other Elk members, and forming lasting relationships. Leonard loved to be busy at all times, enjoyed puttering in the garage and yard, was a romantic soul at heart, and was well-liked and respected by many. He had a great sense of humor, on the outside he appeared gruff, but in reality was a marshmallow on the inside, with small children always gravitating to him. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

 Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonnie Diederich; grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

 Leonard is survived by his wife, Karen Young; his children, Cheri Lesiak (Dale), Barry (Sharon)Young, Mike Young, and Kimberly Goddard (Dan Crawford); grandchildren, Cameron Lesiak, Vivian (Justin) Vigil, Milissa (Ahmed) Mustafa, Alexandria (Corey) Smith, Jacob Young, Michael Young, Ashley-Ann Goddard, and Michael (Sierra) Goddard; great-grandchildren, Aurora Phillips, Kaden Mustafa, Emily Mustafa and Nathan Smith; sisters, Sharon (George) Hansel and Mary Grandberg; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Memorials may be made to the Shelby Elks Lodge No. 1696, Prairie Oasis Animal Shelter, or the charity of your choice.

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