Raymond Albert Young

Raymond Albert Young

Ray Young died May 10, 2026, with his loving family by his side, at home at Sunrise Senior Living in Gurnee.

Ray was born to Royal Jacob Young and Albertina Emelia Johnson Young on December 13, 1934, in Ladysmith, WI. He grew up in nearby Glen Flora, WI. Ray moved to Waukegan, IL in 1959,  after serving in the Army in Korea and Japan for 2 years.

Ray married Susie Bunton in 1962, and they bought their first home in Waukegan. They moved to Grandwood Park in 1969, where they raised their young family and welcomed all guests. There was always room for one more at the table.

Ray worked hard at all he did. He was a driver for UPS and then a meatcutter for retail grocery stores for many years before retiring in 2000.

After retiring from full time work, he kept busy —and earned extra money—shuttling cars for Enterprise before finally retiring for good 

He had a lifelong love for all things mechanical and vehicle-related, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even garden tractors. He was a skilled mechanic, putting those skills to use on his family’s vehicles. For many years, he worked part-time, servicing and repairing cars out of his home garage. He never advertised – good service and prices and word-of-mouth kept him busy for decades.

His children aside, Ray’s real babies were his motorcycles. He enjoyed riding anything, but had a giant soft spot in his heart for his Goldwings. There was always work to be done around the house, but some time nearly every day, weather permitting, was set aside for riding. Someone needed a ride to little league or scouts or band practice? Perfect excuse for a ride.

Ray moved to Sunrise Senior Living in 2023, and quickly made a name for himself there. His easy-going and social nature helped him find his place with the staff and other residents. It wasn’t long before one of Sunrise’s park benches was crowned “Ray’s Place” – complete with a plaque – as he could usually be found there enjoying a nice day outside in the sun. 

Though he lived hours away for decades, Ray retained a strong fondness for the Glen Flora, WI community – his family, his friends, and even the countryside always seemed to call him back home. He was at ease in this small farming community, where you knew everyone and everyone knew you.

He is survived in this life by his five children, Paul (Lori) Young of Waukegan, Penny (Philip) Lefavour of Bothell, WA, Philip (Yvonne) Young of Goodyear, AZ, Peter (Sarah) Young of Moore, OK, Anthony “Tony” Young of Bothell, WA, and 8 grandchildren (Brian Lefavour, Hunter Lefavour, Nicholas “Nico” Young, Michael Greco, Isabel Greco, Alek Greco, David Young, and Amelia Young). Ray is further survived by his sister Caroline (Rufus) Howard of Kokomo, IN and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Claire “Susie” Bunton Young, his parents Royal Jacob and Albertina Emelia Johnson Young and his brother Brian Hal Young.

Visitation, funeral, and luncheon will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5110 Grand Avenue in Gurnee on Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 10 AM, with Rev. Dr. Ben Squires officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/) or American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/).

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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