Gladys Mae Young

Gladys Mae Young, 85, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully at NewAldaya Lifescapes on Friday March 15, 2024.  She was born April 30, 1938, in Northern Minnesota, daughter of Ernest and Ella (Connelly) Kluge.  Gladys graduated from Menahga High School then went to New York to be a nanny.  Following her return to the Midwest, she married John Paul Young on April 2, 1960, in Port Washington, Wisconsin.  While John drove truck, Gladys stayed home with their young children.  As they became more independent, she worked as a tailor/seamstress for various businesses such as KG Men's Store and Von Maur in addition to decorating cakes at the Hy-Vee bakery. Later in life, Gladys and John drove truck together and traveled to trade shows to sell Envirotech products.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; John, her husband of 54 years; sister, Hazel; and brothers, Norman, Roger and Gordon.  She is survived by her children: Cheryl (David) Cowley, Brenda and Paul (Jenny); 6 grandchildren: Nicole (Paul), Blaine (Emily), Aaron, Justin (Hannah), McKenna and Mason; great-grandchildren: Kolby, Bailey, Atley, Brezlin and Bronson; brother, Virgil; and 3 sisters, Isabel, Angeline and Mary Lou.

Gladys' Funeral will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church of Waterloo with Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial to follow at Waterloo Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the Family and will be used for Children's Ministry.

Gladys was a very artistic soul who enjoyed quilting, crafting, baking and decorating her home.  She and John were the cornerstone for their families and lovingly planned family reunions.  Hospitality was Gladys' special gift and she always kept homemade treats in the freezer for anyone who might come to their home unexpectedly.  She and John also shared a deep faith that they were anxious to share with family, friends and strangers through their words as well as their actions.  Children held a special place in their hearts - Gladys even held Vacation Bible School in their backyard.  They helped start Waupun Baptist Church in Wisconsin, were involved in many ministries at Faithway Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and were active members at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church.  Though she will be dearly missed, her family is thankful that Gladys has gone home to her heavenly rest.