After a 13-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Diabetes, Daniel “Dale” Richard Young, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on March 17, 2024, in Albert Lea, MN.

Daniel “Dale” R. Young

Born on November 14, 1938, in Faribault County, MN to Wilbert and Cecelia (Dusza) Young, Danny was raised in Wells and graduated from Wells High School in 1957. It was during his school years that he discovered his passion for baking while working part-time at the local bakery, a pursuit that would shape his career for decades to come.

After marrying his beloved Deanna Oakland on December 2, 1961, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Wells, MN, Danny and Deanna settled in Albert Lea, MN, where they built a life together and raised their family. Danny spent his entire career as a dedicated baker, working at Boyd & Jack’s and continuing there through many transitions until his retirement in November 2000.

Danny had a deep-rooted love for baseball, coaching his sons’ teams and sharing the joy of the game with his grandchildren. Whether indulging in watching the MN Twins or the LA Dodgers, Danny’s passion for baseball was a constant throughout his life; quoting baseball stats back to the 1950’s.

Family gatherings and special occasions were made memorable by Danny’s culinary skills, particularly his famous fried chicken, delectable peanut butter and caramel rolls, and holiday divinity treats that brought joy to his family and friends.

In his leisure time, Danny enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren. He and Deanna shared a love for bowling; passing that joy to his children. They often played spirited games of marbles with their family, competing as guys vs. gals. Danny and Deanna also traveled many miles to visit family in California and Mississippi, enjoying every moment spent together. Family was everything to Danny.

A man of jovial spirit, he had a gift for humor, always leaving others guessing with his unpredictable wit. His laughter and smile were contagious, lighting up any room he entered and leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to call him husband, dad, grandpa, and friend.

Danny was also a member of the Eagles Club and Knights of Columbus, embodying a strong sense of community spirit.

Danny will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Deanna of 62 years; children, Kathy (Richard) Kingery of Hamburg, IA, Brian (Lillian) Young, and Kris Heavner, both of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Derek) Dorn, Seth (Brooke) Niebuhr, Amanda (Ross) Miller, Gabriel Kesler, Angela Parker, Heidi (Dana Gilliam) Heavner, Hayley Heavner, and Brad (Lane Coffman) Heavner; great grandchildren, Sophia and Dailynn Dorn, Brody, Beckett, and Baylor Niebuhr, Liberty, Lucy and Conner Miller, Wylder and Rowan Kesler, Adeline and Lane Parker, and Alyssa, Kole and Brextyn Gilliam; and many sisters and brothers-in-law; cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brad in 1994; sister, Carol Hodge; parents-in-law, Walter and Helen Oakland; sisters-in-law, Sandra Oakland and Cheryl Romero; brothers-in-law, Daniel Hodge, Harold Vandenheuvel, Carl Attig, and Jerry Romero.

We are thankful for the care and compassion that Danny received from Mayo Clinic Ambulance Services, Home Health Care, Inc, St Croix Hospice, Pastor Trish Reedstrom and Lane Coffman; your kindness will always be remembered by our family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Trish Reedstrom will officiate. Danny’s family will greet guests at a visitation held on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Danny’s family.

The warmth of Danny’s smile and laughter will be deeply missed as we remember his kindness and love for his family.