Family-owned DeYoung Interiors ends 97-year legacy
Third-generation owner to retire after total liquidation and sale of building
ST.JOHN, Ind. (Sept. 15, 2025) — Family-owned and operated DeYoung Interiors is going out of business after providing Northwest Indiana communities with quality home furnishings for nearly a century. The final liquidation sale opens to the public September 18, and the building is for sale.
DeYoung Interiors was founded in 1928 as DeYoung Furniture and Funeral Home by Nick and Cora DeYoung. Guided by a commitment to relationships and customer service, the couple transitioned the business into a full-line home furnishings store in 1959. Upon their retirement in the 1960s, their sons Sidney, Gerhard and Arnold took over the business. In 1972, the next generation of sons and sons-in-law—John and Gerald DeYoung, Robert Scheuneman, and Tom McGehee—became co-owners, leading the company through four decades of success. Ten years ago, John took sole ownership, and with the help of his son, Kyle, the business has been thriving. After dedicating his life to carrying on his grandparents’ legacy, John plans to close the 97-year-old family business and retire.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to retire and close the business that has been at the center of four generations and served so many folks for nearly 100 years,” said John. “I will deeply miss serving this community and am forever grateful for the loyal customers and friends who have supported us.”
DeYoung Interiors opens to the public its going-out-of-business sale on September 18 at 8365 Wicker Ave. The liquidation sale will offer once-in-a-lifetime prices on a huge selection of high-end furniture and mattresses with home accessories starting at 50% off. Heirloom-quality rugs from around the world will be drastically reduced in price. Famous name brands include Bradington-Young, Canadel, Century, England, Hooker, Kincaid, La-Z-Boy, Liberty, Polywood, Sherrill, Smith Brothers, and Tempur-Pedic. Management encourages early shopping for the best selection.
The 28,000-square-foot building is for sale and interested parties may contact John DeYoung at (219) 365-8362. For more information on the liquidation sale, visit www.deyoungsale.com.
The success of DeYoung Interiors over its history went beyond its original South Holland location. A second store in Lansing, Illinois opened in 1939, and after decades of serving both communities, the family consolidated operations by opening the current showroom in St. John in 2005. Situated along busy U.S. 41 across from Lake Central High School, the move placed DeYoung Interiors in a highly visible, growing area that has been its home for the last 20 years.
Beyond the family business, the DeYoungs were deeply involved in their community. They have always been active in local churches, youth softball and baseball, and Chamber of Commerce events, further strengthening their ties to the region. Their customer-first approach earned them recognition every year since 2005 in the Times Media Company “Best of the Region” in the categories of Best Furniture Store, Best Mattress Store, and Best Home Décor Store.