Geneal Young

GENEAL CLARA PETERSON YOUNG

Geneal Peterson Young, age 82, of Montrose, IA, passed away early Sunday, July 1, 2018 in Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Geneal Peterson Young was born September 23, 1935 at the Graham Hospital in Keokuk, IA. She was the daughter of Joseph I. and Phoebe M. Rill Peterson.

A graduate of Keokuk Senior High School class of 1953, she played French horn in the high school band and also in the Keokuk Municipal Band for 12 years. Geneal was the first student to enroll in the new Keokuk Community College and was in the first graduating class in 1955. While attending college, she worked at the "Golden Rule", a women’s clothing store, Hoerner Boxes in the accounting department, and was secretary to attorney Robert B. Dickey.

Following graduation, she went to work at Union Electric from 1955-1968.

On February 29, 1964, she was united in marriage to Donald E. Young of Alexandria, MO at the First Lutheran Church in Keokuk. To this union was born two children, David in 1968 and Lisa in 1971.

Geneal had been active in many organizations over the years. She was a 70+ year member of the American Legion Unit # 41 of Keokuk, IA. She attended Hawkeye Girls State in 1952 and served as President of the unit in the early 60's. After their marriage, she and Donald made their home at rural Alexandria where they were engaged in farming. During this time she was involved in Missouri Extension Homemakers Association (now known as Missouri Association for Family and Community Education). She served as President of the Wayland Extension Club and Clark County Extension Homemakers. She was an Area Representative, District Director of the Northeast District, State Cultural Arts Chairman and Vice President of Public Policy on the state board, and the President of the state MAFCE Alumni Association. She and Donald received many awards for their leadership with the Extension service. She also served as President of the Clark County Cancer Society, and also Chapter AW, P.E.O.

Geneal was a former member of the First Lutheran Church in Keokuk. There she sang in the choir, was a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school Superintendent. After her marriage she transferred her membership to the Wayland United Methodist Church at Wayland, MO. She served as Sunday school Superintendent for many years, served on the Administrative Council and held offices in the Wesleyan Fellowship group several times. She was also a member of Kahoka Chapter # 40, O.E.S. at Wayland.

Geneal was an active member of the Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary working in the gift shop. She actively participated in the daily operation of their family farms and served as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of D. Young Farms, Inc. and Le-El Farms, Inc. After the 1993 flood forced them from the Alexandria area, Donald and Geneal built a home north of Montrose, Iowa. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends and sharing the beautiful view of the Mississippi River which they so much enjoyed.

She is survived by her husband Donald of Montrose; one son, David Young and his wife, Kathy, of Kennesaw, GA; one daughter, Lisa Blaustone and her husband, Michael of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren: Karli, Megan and Andrew Young and Brandi Spiller; also several cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Phoebe Peterson, and her in-laws, Les and Elsie Young.

Graveside services were held Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, IA. with Pastor Barb Hagerla officiating.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Wayland United Methodist Church.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.

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Friends may call at Wilson Funeral Home after 9 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dress comfortably for weather, "potato hug" following at the family home in Montrose.