Elaine Joyce Young

ELAINE JOYCE YOUNG October 30, 1933 – November 16, 2020 Elaine Joyce Young, age 87 of Park Rapids, MN formerly a long-time Akeley, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Monday, November 16, 2020 at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids. Elaine was born on October 30, 1933 in Park Rapids to Alonzo and Bertha (Johnson) Jenkins. Jobs were hard to come by in those depression years so at a very young age, Elaine moved with her family to California where opportunities were better. Her family made their home there for a number of years, moving back to Akeley during World War II. A short time later, the family moved to Cloquet, MN where Elaine graduated from High School in 1951. She then went on to attend St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth. While studying nursing, Elaine met a young airman based in Duluth named Herbert Young. They were married on July 31, 1953. Their union was blessed with two sons: Herbert and Gary. The young couple moved out to Ohio where Elaine devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious rhubarb dumplings and other dishes. Tragically, her husband died in 1957, leaving Elaine alone to raise her two boys. She moved to Minneapolis to be closer to family and gained employment with the Honeywell Corp. During this time she met Ray Knouse from Akeley. They were married in May of 1962 and this marriage lasted for 7 years. Elaine moved with her family back to Akeley at that time and began working at the Ah Gwah-Ching State Nursing Home in a career that spanned over 20 years. She continued working as an RN for the Pine Manor Treatment Center until her retirement. In 2014, she moved to Park Rapids where she made her home at the Park Villa Apartments until failing health caused her to become a resident of the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons: Herbert (Dawn Williams) Young of Akeley and Gary (Jane) Young of Frazee, MN; six dearly loved grandchildren; twelve precious great-grandchildren and one special great-great-granddaughter; her brother, Larry (Kim) McMahon of Akeley, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her first husband, Herbert; and her parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. Scripture readers will be Elizabeth Young and Nicholas Young. Her great-grandchildren: Bobby, Nora and Billy Young and Clive Enderson will sing, “In The Garden” accompanied by Becky Young. Active casket bearers will be: Grandsons; Nicholas Young and Herb Young Jr.; and nephews: John McMahon, Jeff McMahon, Brad McMahon, and Byron McMahon. Honorary casket bearers will be grandchildren: Brandon Young, Elizabeth Young, and Heather Hallett. Interment will be made in the Akeley Cemetery. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com