Obituary: David A. DeYoung

May 8, 1952 – May 27, 2023

David Alan DeYoung (Dave), age 71, of Chicago IL passed away peacefully in his sleep, just before dawn on May 27, 2023. Devoted father of Hannah Grace and Katie Hope, former husband of Sharon Caldwell, dear brother of Barb (Harold) Triezenberg and Pam (the late Mark) Luebke, beloved brother in law of Marsha (Mark) Conroy, Thomas (Ann) Caldwell, proud uncle of Matthew (Amanda) Conroy, Nick Luebke, Kayla Luebke, Dawn (Thane) Moore, Dan (Jen) Triezenberg, and Doug (Lisa) Triezenberg. Nephew of beloved aunts and uncles and cousin to many. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Herb and Geraldine, and by his lifelong best friend, Tom Milanovich.

Tom and Dave met before they could walk and over the years became as close as brothers. They shared a love for sports and weightlifting, founding Quads Gym in 1976, in the basement of the home Tom shared with his mother and aunt in Dolton. As their membership grew they expanded, first to Thornton and eventually purchasing a building in Calumet City, which flourished until Tom passed on June 4, 2003. The pair had started a new Quads Gym location on Chicago’s north side in the late 1980s. Though devastated, Dave kept Quads North going after losing Tom, thanks to support from many longtime trainers and members who had become dear friends, especially the late Dick “Professor” Lietzow and Dave’s right-hand man, Noe Leyva.

Outgoing and down-to-earth, warm and friendly, Dave was the kind of guy who never met a stranger. He welcomed all who crossed his path and it was important to him to greet each of his members by name. An accomplished bodybuilder himself, Dave was proud of the fact that some of Chicago’s biggest name professional players chose to work out at Quads. He was dedicated to the health and wellness of everyday fitness enthusiasts, as well as pro bodybuilders.

Dave was the most devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox. Honestly, he was their biggest fan. His passion and love for baseball and the Sox began when he was a little boy. He played throughout high school and advanced to semi-pro, eventually working as a bird dog scout in his young adult years. Dave loved to talk about the fundamentals and rules of the game, debating strategy and following players closely during the off-season. He could talk about the early years of the Sox — and baseball in general — with other fans for hours on end. We are already planning our outing to Sox Park in his honor.

At the center of Dave’s life was his faith in God, which he put into action daily. He always willing to put himself out for others. As a dedicated father and family man, Dave delighted in sharing amusing stories about his beloved daughters.

We are shocked and reeling to say the least, because Dave DeYoung was a fighter! Sturdy and strong, he was a force to be reckoned with. We miss his booming voice and his zest for life and we are heartbroken. We really believed he was going to recover and beat this. We love and miss him so much.

Thank you to everyone who supported our family over the past four months, on Dave’s journey home to meet his Lord and Savior. Special thanks to dear friends Deborah Peterson, DNP, AGPCNP-BC and Chris Costas, MD, for their guidance throughout Dave’s heroic battle. They supported us endlessly and truly cared about his well-being, answering our questions at all hours. And on May 5 Debbie and Chris worked a miracle and saved his life. Their knowledge, expertise and genuine concern gave us 22 more precious days with Dave and we are forever grateful.

Northside visitation: Thursday, June 8 at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 716 W. Addison in Chicago, from 3 – 6 pm.

Southside visitation and service: Friday, June 9 at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane in Dyer, Indiana, from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. followed by the procession to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be given to Chicago White Sox Charities.