Robert Young, Sr.

Robert Lewis Young, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2022, at the Lakeview Village Care Center in Lenexa, KS.  Bob was born in Decatur, Iowa on June 9th, 1923 to Frank and Helen Young. His life in small town Iowa during the late 1920's and 30's was both idyllic and tough.  But, the challenges and difficulties encountered early in life gave Bob, part of the Greatest Generation, the strength and grit to live well - to the age of 99.

Robert graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa and later from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  The events of December 7th, 1941 motivated him to join the armed services. A true patriot, and a United States Marine, he served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and also participated in the Korean conflict in 1951.  Returning home from service in WWII, Bob met the love of his life, Corrine Mahaffa. They married and journeyed through the ups and downs of life together for 54 years, until her death in 2001.  Together they raised three children - Celia Ann, Robert, Jr and Nancy.

Robert was driven and inspired by his work in commercial business insurance.  He started his career with Employers Mutual Casualty Co. in Des Moines and then joined Employers Insurance of Wausau (Wausau Insurance Co.), retiring in 1985. His work years were spent in Des Moines, Milwaukee and Wausau, WI as well as in Kansas City, MO.

In retirement, Bob and Corinne enjoyed traveling around the country in their RV, staying in touch with their many long time friends and making new acquaintances along the way. They continued to maintain a summer lake home in northern Wisconsin, truly enjoying the opportunity to entertain family and friends.  In 1986, they relocated to Overland Park, KS.  They continued to travel, spending winters in Arizona, while spending time with their grandchildren and their numerous beloved pets!

After Corinne passed away in 2001, Bob volunteered as a Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman, being a liaison between nursing home residents and management, where he advocated for residents' rights, dignity and quality of life.  He felt honored to be able to be a voice for other people, and to make a difference in their lives.

Always exercising and always active, Bob was an avid tennis player and continued to play until he was 86. He was also a passionate KU Basketball fan.  In 2004, Bob moved to the Lakeview Village retirement community in Lenexa, KS, as he wanted to continue to be active and maintain social contacts - he wanted to enjoy life!  At Lakeview, he was on several different committees and enjoyed many years as a co-director of the “What Not Shop” furniture department.  He especially enjoyed the Lakeview "Yacht Club" - racing miniature boats in the lake by Northpoint!  Most of all, Bob enjoyed the friends he made during his nearly 20 years at Lakeview Village - residents and staff alike.  Their warmth and camaraderie made his years at Lakeview some of his best. We are especially grateful to the staff at Lakeview for the care and compassionate support they provided to Bob over the past year.

Bob is survived by his son, Bob, Jr and daughter, Nancy as well as his grandchildren Molly (Matt) Johnson, Emily (Andrew) Meyer and Stephen (Brianna) Chaput. Bob was also blessed with several great grandchildren – Zachary and Zoe Johnson, Patricia Meyer and Greyson and Gavin Chaput. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Corinne, daughter, Celia, and his daughter-in-law, Patricia.  Bob will be dearly missed, but also celebrated by family and the many friends who love him.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North Shore Animal League or the ASPCA.