Karl David Young

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Karl David Young, who passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, at the age of 76. While we mourn his passing, we are filled with gratitude for the remarkable life he lived, the love he shared, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Karl was born on August 20, 1950, to his wonderful parents, David Otto Young and Glade Renee Lusty Young. He was the second of eight children. He fondly recalled growing up on a timber yard nestled in the mountains near Idaho Falls, owned by his grandfather, Sidney Young. He delighted in sharing stories of the mischievous adventures he enjoyed with his siblings, where they learned together the value of working hard and playing just as hard. Those early years instilled in him a deep appreciation for honest labor and a remarkable work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life. Though modest in stature, Karl possessed extraordinary strength, often outlifting those much larger than himself, always with a humble smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Karl discovered a special joy and sense of purpose in local theater productions, where his talents truly blossomed. On the stage, he not only found his voice but also developed a profound ability to understand and empathize with others through the characters he portrayed. He was especially drawn to meaningful, inspirational roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge and Tevye, whose stories of love, family, sacrifice, and redemption resonated deeply with his own heart.

It was through his love of theater, while attending Ricks College, that Karl met the love of his life, Kathleen Helen Spencer. Their connection was immediate, and what followed was a beautiful and enduring romance—the kind of love story seldom witnessed, even among two souls fortunate enough to find one another in this life. Finding his eternal companion through the very art form he loved so dearly made theater all the more sacred to him. It remained a cherished part of his life, a passion he would continue to explore and share for years to come.

Guided by his deep faith and his belief in the sacred law of sacrifice, Karl made the difficult but willing decision to leave his beloved Kathy for two years to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in Oakland, California, where he developed a lasting love for the Lord and the people he was privileged to teach and serve. Throughout his life, he spoke often and fondly of his missionary experiences, the people he came to love, and the gospel of Jesus Christ that meant so much to him.

Kathy faithfully waited for his return, and just three weeks after coming home, the two were married, beginning a beautiful life together. Within two weeks of their marriage, they learned they were expecting their first child, Lesa. Thirteen months later, Jonathan joined the family, followed by Sharece, Heather, Marcy, and Jaden.

Karl was a devoted father and tireless provider. For many years, he rose at 2:30 each morning to make the long drive from Springville to Hill Air Force Base, a sacrifice he willingly made so that Kathy could raise their children in Springville, Utah, the community she loved and cherished. He understood that love was often expressed not in grand gestures, but in the quiet sacrifices made day after day for those who mattered most. His children were the beneficiaries of that devotion. As the years passed, Karl became an increasingly patient, gentle, and tender father, always willing to listen, offer encouragement, and simply be present when his children needed him.

But of all the roles Karl played throughout his life, none was more cherished, more sacred, or more beautifully fulfilled than that of husband to his beloved Kathy.

Kathy possessed a warmth and light that naturally drew people to her. Karl recognized that light from the beginning and made it one of his life's greatest purposes to nurture and protect it. He often expressed a simple sentiment that came to define their marriage: "She can take care of the world, and I will take care of her." And that is precisely what he did.

Karl did not merely love Kathy; he devoted himself to her. He magnified his sacred calling as her husband willingly, joyfully, and with his whole heart. He ministered to her in ways both seen and unseen. He cared for her, nursed her, anticipated her needs, and quietly carried burdens so that hers might be lighter. He never seemed to seek recognition for these acts of devotion. Loving Kathy was not something he did out of obligation; it was simply who he was. Her happiness was his happiness, her burdens became his burdens, and her well-being was among his deepest concerns.

Theirs was more than a beautiful love story. It was a lifetime of choosing one another, of leaning upon one another, and of discovering that the deepest love is not measured by what we receive, but by what we willingly give. Their marriage was a tender expression of mutual dependence, selflessness, and pure love. Together, they built a life in which each found strength in the other. Karl's devotion to Kathy was perhaps his greatest sermon, quietly preached through a lifetime of faithful, loving service.

And while Karl found great joy in the theater, continuing to act and contribute to local productions throughout his later years, some of his most beautiful creations were never seen upon a stage. They were found in the personalized poems he lovingly wrote, the thoughtful gifts he fashioned with his own hands for his children and grandchildren, and the countless quiet acts of kindness that so often went unnoticed. He had a tender and creative soul, and he expressed his love in ways that were uniquely his own.

Karl was, above all, a quiet servant. He did not need an audience to do something beautiful, nor applause to know that something mattered. He simply loved and then found ways to make that love tangible.

For a man who spent so much of his life bringing characters to life upon the stage, his greatest role was the one he lived when the curtain was closed, the audience had gone home, and only those he loved remained. It was there, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, that Karl gave his finest performance—not through the words of a playwright, but through a lifetime of love unfeigned.

Karl is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; five of their six children; fifteen grandchildren; five siblings; his buddy Otto; and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, David and Glade Young; his siblings, Kevin and Roni; and his precious daughter, Heather.

Though our hearts ache at his passing, we find comfort in the beautiful memories he leaves behind and in our faith that the bonds of family and love are eternal. We are grateful for his example, his devotion, and the privilege of calling him our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His influence will continue to be felt in the lives of those he loved, and his memory will forever be cherished.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Stake Center, located at 555 Averett Avenue, Springville, Utah 84663.

Funeral services will be held the following day, Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. An additional viewing for family and close friends will precede the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.