Joseph M. Young

Joseph Michael Young, 62, of Epworth, Iowa, formerly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by love and faith on June 11, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist, Placid. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Per his wishes, no public visitation will be held.
Joe was born April 5, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John and Olga (Szydlowski) Young and the baby brother of John “Jack” (Joyce) Young and the late Robert Young. Joe was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and community servant. He lived a life full of dedication and purpose.

Joe was the beloved husband of Karen (Coyle) Young for 38 years. They married on June 13, 1986, and shared a beautiful life raising five children: Robert (Jessica) Young, Andrew (Erica Lopez) Young, Molly Young, Kimberly Young, and Scott (Carrie Ritschard) Young. He was the cherished Papa of seven grandchildren: Hunter Urbain-Young, Brady Young, Joseph Young, Michael Young, Zayden Young, Emma Young, and Lucille Young, who all brought him immense joy. Joe was the son-in-law to LaVonne Coyle and brother-in-law to her children. We can’t forget his pride and joy, his dog, Precious.
He attended Divine Word Seminary SVD in Bordentown, NJ, and graduated from Divine Word Seminary in Epworth, Iowa, where he formed lasting friendships and developed his deep-rooted commitment to helping others. He was an immensely proud and dedicated former member of the Epworth Fire Department as well as a member of the Epworth City Council. Joe dedicated 31 years of his life to being an emergency dispatcher, known for his calm voice and steady hand in times of crisis and his ability to cope with the horrors of the job by having a crass sense of humor.
Joe’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. His rosary was always in hand, and his collection of Bibles never far from reach. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, cheering loudly for his beloved teams - especially the Eagles. GO BIRDS!! It brought him such excitement that he got one last Super Bowl win!
He was preceded in death by his mother, Olga (Szydlowski) Young; his brother, Robert Young; Mr. Gooden (instrumental mentor); Sal DeSanctis (instrumental mentor); father-in-law, Robert Coyle; brothers-in-law, Patrick Coyle and John Fine; sisters-in-law, Nancy Coyle and Linda Boffeli; Matthew McDermott; Bob Frasher, special neighbor; and his past four-legged children: Fluffer, Angel, Reggie, Libby, and Maggie.
Joe’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dispatchers and police who became his Iowa family, the Epworth Fire Department for their support over the years, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Sullivan at Medical Associates for their care and compassion.
Joe wanted special thanks to be given to Miss Jackie for being such a prominent and impactful part of his life and always keeping him in line; Amy Amberg and Dennis Boge for the many years of friendship and support; Dan Kearney for always making a pit stop to say “hi” while passing by—and most importantly—for cheering for the Eagles in the Super Bowl!
Joe’s legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Epworth Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.