Stephen Young

Stephen Lee Young was born on January 14, 1953 at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, Minnesota.  His parents were the late John "Roy" and Lola (Fitzsimmons) Young.  Steve graduated from Wadena High School with the class of 1971, and later graduated from Alexandria Technical Institute with an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement. Afterward, Steve was employed with the Wadena Police Department for 6 years and then began his 27-year career with the Wadena County Sheriff’s Department.  For most of his career, he was the Chief Deputy and Investigator.

On June 1, 1974, Steve married Wendy Ganz at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Verndale, Minnesota.  Together they made their home in Wadena.  Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Krista and Paula.

Steve was a licensed private pilot; he loved to fly and take people flying.  He and his wife traveled many places over the years, often on their motorcycle. Steve loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed being with people, woodworking, gardening, being outdoors, learning, and teaching others.  Steve was a hard worker and his kindness and generosity will be remembered through his willingness to help others, always encouraging people to simply "pay it forward."

On March 30, 2020, Steve passed away in Fargo, North Dakota after an unexpected illness. He was 67 years old. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Wendy; daughters: Krista (Nolan) Coyle; and Paula (Casady) Thiel;  4 grandchildren: Claire, Auden, Phoenix, and Griffin; sisters: MaryAnn (Gary) Bawden; Linda (Larry) Olsen; Sandy (Adrian) Crum; brother: Ron (Lori) Young; many other relatives, and a host of friends.

If you have a memory of Steve you would like to share with the family, you can write it down and bring it with you or you can write it at an available table during the visitation.

Please visit www.Facebook.com/KarvonenFH to view the livestream of Steve's Celebration of Life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Young, please visit our floral store.