Dennis Eugene Young left this world on January 20, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dennis was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on December 18, 1945, to John Deo and Juanita Merle (Spradlin) Young. He was their only child, and was encouraged throughout his childhood to be curious and independent. He graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1964. During his senior year he met and fell in love with Dema Melinda Ricketson, when they were both in the school theater production of "The Mouse That Roared". Dennis and Melinda were married in September 1966, in Battle Creek. Dennis graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in packaging in in 1968. That same year they welcomed a son, and then a daughter in 1971. He held a Master's degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Dennis was a deeply committed family man, and in the 1980's and 90's was active in the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan. His love of the outdoors was able to shine with his strong dedication to the Boy Scouts of America. He loved music - making lap dulcimers by hand in his basement woodshop, and playing the guitar with family and friends. He had an infectious laugh and a large presence; and although he could be intimidating to people when first meeting him, he quickly exposed his caring and helpful nature. In his long career in packaging, Dennis worked for IBM and Lansmont Corporation. His passion was always teaching, and through the entirety of his life he was an educator to his core. Starting first as an academic advisor for the School of Packaging at Michigan State University, he went on to become an instructor in transport packaging and packaging dynamics. His wide-ranging contribution to the industry can be found in the organizations ASTM, ISTA, MSU PAA, SPHE, GPI, PMMI, to name just a few. He was inducted to PMMI's Packaging Hall of Fame, and was the first recipient of ISTA's R. David LeButt Award for Packaging Education. He was a teacher and mentor to countless young packaging engineers, and his impact on those careers and lives will be felt for generations to come. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, John and his mother, Neta. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Melinda, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his deeply loved children, son John (and Jessica) of Kuna, Idaho and daughter Meredith (and Jon-Michael) Dougherty, of Washington DC; his treasured grandchildren, James (and Alison) of Mt Pleasant, Michigan, Jordyn of Knoxville, Tennessee, John and Molly Dougherty of Washington DC, and Ben Staggs of Kuna, Idaho. In addition to his core surviving family, he leaves behind a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews. The Ronald McDonald House held a special place in Dennis's heart, and donations to that organization would be accepted with great appreciation. A Celebration of Life is being planned for Spring 2023. Service Details.