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Little Joe's obituary

Joseph Edward Young Jr. "Little Joe", born December 22, 1978, passed away on November 18, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 45. He was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his parents, Joseph Young Sr. "Big Joe" and Connie Young (Warren).

A lifelong resident of the East Side of Des Moines, Little Joe was surrounded by a close-knit community of family and friends who cherished him deeply. Little Joe played little league at the Fair Grounds and his love for the game continued on to high school. He then graduated from East High School and began his career in construction before discovering his true passion working at Adventureland. There, he worked alongside his life long best friends and cousins, Little Greg and Dave.

Little Joe’s life revolved around his love for family, pets and sports. He treasured time spent with his three children, Allison Young (Kealey Young), Caedon Hickman (Kierren Hickman), and Brooklynn Hickman, his beloved granddaughter, Alice Jo Hickman, as well as his three dogs, Baby, Stucky, and Butters, and his cat Chloe. Whether spending time with his family playing bags, managing his fantasy football teams, or cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago White Sox, and Iowa Hawkeyes, Little Joe’s enthusiasm was infectious. His happiest moments were spent with family, especially spoiling Alice.

To honor Little Joe’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on his 46th birthday, December 22, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the East Gate Lodge. Guests are invited to wear their favorite team apparel to celebrate his lifelong love of sports.

Little Joe’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. May the memories of his laughter and love bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.

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Memories & condolences

You was a great friend, I'll never forget the time you and lil Greg and Dave Warren and I spent as teenagers hanging ou…

You was a great friend, I'll never forget the time you and lil Greg and Dave Warren and I spent as …

You was a great friend, I'll never forget the time you and lil G…

i met joe in 6th grade at Goodrell Middle School and immediately hit it off with him. There was a small group of guys b…
i met joe in 6th grade at Goodrell Middle School and immediately hit it off with him. There was a s…
i met joe in 6th grade at Goodrell Middle School and immediately…

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Joseph "Little Joe" Young Jr