Darleen Young

Darleen Furious Young was born in St. Onge, South Dakota, on March 7, 1924, to Anna and Clifton Furious. She had two older brothers, Rolland and Ronold, and they were all so close in age that people often confused them for being triplets! She moved to Deadwood with her family when she was four months old. Although they did not have a lot of money, Darleen’s family was extremely close and her childhood was filled with many happy memories.

For fun, she would spend countless hours playing Jacks with her friends. She would usually get 2nd place as there was always one girl she just couldn’t beat! Another memory was of her dogs, Amos and Andy. Amos would stand at the door of the local food market and wait until one of the workers would give him a bone after which he would strut back home in triumph- he was so proud of himself. Of her many childhood memories, some of the most enjoyable ones were centered around music. Her home was always filled with music. One of her favorite memories was listening to the family’s brand new radio. She and her brothers would stand around the radio like it was going to run away. She loved the sound of the Big Bands and that is still her favorite kind of music today. Happiness is music.

One of her most treasured experiences was working in Deadwood for the Franklin family. Her grandmother started working there after she came here from Sweden and her brother began work there as a bell hop and eventually managed the Franklin Hotel. During the first Days of ‘76 parade, Darleen rode the Franklin Hotel float dressed as a young bride.

Growing up, Darleen always enjoyed school. She liked all subjects, but her favorites were English and literature. She would write, color, add, and subtract just for fun! It’s no wonder she grew up and became a teacher. Darleen graduated from Deadwood in 1942 and then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln majoring in business. In 1948, after she moved back to Spearfish to teach at East Elementary, she met and married Donald E. Young. He commanded an underwater navy team and was one of the first Navy Seals. One of his jobs was dismantling bombs. The family would travel all over so that Mr. Young could attend various trainings. He also taught and coached many different sports for Black Hills State University and the Donald E. Young Center was named for him in honor of his many great accomplishments and contributions to the school .Together Donald and Darleen had four children. Pam teaches Spanish in the Douglas school system, works with the children’s chorus in Rapid City, and drives up to Spearfish every Sunday to play the piano for her church. Peter earned his Doctorate degree and teaches in St. Thomas, Minnesota. Paul is a strength and conditioning coach, and Pricilla lives here in Spearfish and is the Dean of the Business Department at Black Hills State University. She also has eleven grandchildren. Darleen’s family is clearly the source of her greatest pride!

Darleen’s involvement in our community ranges from various community activities, church activities, and Black Hills State campus activities. Her family has provided educational scholarships for students, and she has been given many awards for her accomplishments. She is truly amazing. She said she wants to be remembered as being a kind person who is always interested in what others have to say. She also said of all her travels during the time her husband was training in the navy, Spearfish was, and still is, her favorite place. Her presence in our community will always be felt, and she is definitely one of Spearfish’s most loved citizens.