Obituary: Mark W. de Young

Mark W. de Young

Mark W. de Young, 69, of Egg Harbor, formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, died Wednesday evening, July 13, 2016 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay.

He was born October 25, 1946 in Appleton, the son of the late Charles and Mary Lou de Young. Following his graduation from Xavier High School in 1965, Mark served the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. For his service, Mark was recognized with the honor of distinguished serviceman. He had also been a reporter for Stars and Stripes. Mark attended Citrus College in Azusa, CA and UWGB where he studied Economics and Social Work.

On August 28, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen A. Brown, in Honolulu, HI while on leave from Vietnam. Mark was the founder and CEO of Valley Gasket in Appleton. He and Karen retired to Door County.

Mark was an avid reader and a student of Maritime History including Lord Nelson. He was an accomplished bird watcher and community volunteer. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing golf, and telling stories.

Mark’s volunteer spirit was shown throughout his life with a credo to always give back to the community. It was evident in the volunteer hours spent delivering Meals on Wheels, Loaves and Fishes, and his dedication to the restoration of the tug John Purves. He was the President of the Royal Order of Toads.

His family includes his first love, wife, Karen of Egg Harbor; three children, Ben (Carrie) de Young of Appleton, Nick (Lindsay) de Young of Jacksonport, Will de Young of Appleton; five grandchildren, Jack, George, Frankie, Lydia, Sylas; five siblings, Charles (Geri) de Young of Fort Mill, SC, Daniel (Cathy) de Young of Rome, GA, Tina (Mickey) Ledford of Rock Hill, SC, Michael (Kathy) de Young of Rock Hill, SC, Barbara Anthony of Neenah.

There will be a celebration of Mark’s life at a later date to be announced.  Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay is serving the family.

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.