Charles "Chuck" Young Obituary

Charles "Chuck" Gobel Young, 70, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, surrounded by family.

Chuck was born on March 27, 1955, in Pringhar, IA, the son of Charles and Gretchen Young (née Graves). He grew up in Des Moines, IA, where he developed a love for the outdoors. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in agronomy from Iowa State University. He kicked off his career in Hampton, IA, where he met his wife, Beebe Young (née Grabbe), with whom he had three children.

He had the opportunity to move his family to South Africa. It was during this time that he became the "bird nerd" you all know and love. After a three-year adventure in South Africa, the Youngs settled in Galesburg, IL, where you might have seen Chuck hiding behind a tree, watching his oldest daughter, Mallory, running in a cross-country meet, or braving the rain with his fellow football parents to watch his son, Joe, on a Friday night. If you were lucky, you caught him dancing into a summer league basketball game to cheer on his youngest daughter, Taylor.

Not only was Chuck a dedicated father, but he was also a positive influence and mentor to many of his children’s friends.

When Chuck and Beebe became empty nesters, their adventurous spirit was reignited. They spent 10 years exploring the country, chasing birds and catching up with family and friends.

While exploring the country, their children settled down and started building families of their own. Twelve grandkids later, Chuck was honored with what he would say was his greatest role—Gaga/Dutt/Grandpa Chuck.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beebe; mother-in-law Janet Grabbe of Sun City, AZ; his sister, Debbie (Bruce) Beerman of Port Saint Lucie, FL; his brother, Clark of Des Moines, IA; his children, Mallory Young (Frank Harty) of West Des Moines, IA, Joe (Jenna) Young of Serena, IL, Taylor (Blaze) Marpet of St. Petersburg, FL; and his grandchildren: Ruby, Gracie, Warren, Olive, Odin, Emmett, Leona, Boe, Frances, Theodore, Edith and Betz.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Iles Westover Chapel (6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322). Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering Chuck with stories, laughter, and love. Casual attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an organization close to Chuck’s heart. Donations can be made online at: https://give.birds.cornell.edu/page/167686/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=WXXXXX01C

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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