Gail “Magoo” Young, 79, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, September 19, 2026, at his home.
Gail was born September 16, 1947, in Sterling, IL, the son of Bernard and Ethel (Nelson) Young. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools. He served in the United States Army twice during the Vietnam War. On November 28, 1969, he married Norma “Punk” VanderLeest in Lyndon, IL. Gail was employed by Elevator Construction, where he operated a crane and also worked as a millwright. He was a member of the NRA. Gail enjoyed old cars, especially, working on them, watching NASCAR, and spending time with his dogs. He had a green thumb and took pride in growing a variety of plants. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; sons, Steve (Chris) Young and Pat (Sara) Young both of Morrison; four grandchildren, Valerie (Ozzie Woods) Young, Joey (Dakota) Carber, Eryn (Matthew) Pearlman, and Dayton Young; two great-grandchildren, Judah and Persephone Woods, with another on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cecil Young.
Per his family’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL, with Ken Renkes officiating.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established by the family.