Gary Robert Young, 74, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at The Views in Marion after complications from dementia.

Gary was born July 10, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Fredrick R. Young and Marie (Mahring) Young. He attended Washington High School and graduated from Kennedy High School in 1969. He continued his education at Kirkwood Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree, and went on to acquire numerous credentials in financial planning and insurance.

On May 25, 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Betty A. Husman. Together they raised three children: Brandi, Tami, and Jamie.

Gary dedicated his career to serving the financial and insurance needs of individuals and local businesses. He worked at Bankers Life/Principal, Ohio National, and Anestead & Associates before building his own respected companies—Financial Design Services, Money Corp, and The Financial Group. Gary took immense pride in his work, holding himself to the highest standards and earning a reputation for integrity, diligence, and genuine care for his clients. His commitment to doing what was right guided both his professional life and his relationships within the financial community.

Beyond his career, Gary was a man of deep passions. He cared fiercely about helping others, engaging in politics, and standing up for what he believed in. His faith was central to his life, and he devoted time to his church and to projects that strengthened his community. He took pride in designing and overseeing building their dream home and later put a pond in.  He loved helping design projects such as the new Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and the trails at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center. All bear his creative touch.

Gary found joy in nature, watching wildlife, making survival kits, rescuing snapping turtles, and spending time outdoors. In his younger years, he enjoyed autocross racing with his Porsche, shooting, reading, watching movies, and sharing stories from his days working at the Eagle Food Center grocery store.

Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Young; his children Brandi (Tom) Bendixen of Marion, Tami (Roy) Kolden of Marion, and Jamie (Donnie) Hartman of Cedar Rapids; and his grandchildren Lauren Bendixen, Tyler Bendixen, Joe Melcher, Kaitlin Melcher, Ellah Kolden, Jordan Hartman, Bryson Hartman, and Brittley Dixon. He is also survived by his brothers Jim Young (Linda Olney) and Dean Young (Tish), sister-in-law Dixie Shearer along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie Young; his father-and mother‑in‑law, Earl and Evelyn Husman; his sister‑in‑law Elaine Peterson (Les); and his brother‑in‑law Kim Shearer and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gary's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Views in Marion for the compassionate care provided to him over the past several months.

The family will greet friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion, Iowa. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.  We ask you to join us for desserts afterwards to celebrate Gary's life.  Please refrain from wearing perfume/cologne if possible, family has allergies.

In lieu of flowers or gifts memorials are preferred.

Please use the Guestbook to share your memeories, thoughts, and condolences with the family.