Obituary of Joann Ruth Youngstrom

Joann Ruth Youngstrom passed away quietly while resting in her chair, in a sunny spot, the day before her 95th birthday, March 27, 2025.

So many had been waiting for her glorious arrival in heaven that we imagine the celebration to have been wonderful.  Her husband of 59 years, John Youngstrom passed in January of 2010 and an infant son in 1968.  Her parents, Ada Grace and Albert Thompson, sisters Damaris Copperud (Richard) and Gwendolyn (Tippy) Schwabe (Calvin), brother Thomas (Tommy) Thompson and niece Anne Breckenridge had gone before her as had her Youngstrom family, Bertha and Oscar Youngstrom, Jean Louise Youngstrom Mohr (Butch) and Nina Eastling Peterson (Lyle & Preston).

Joann was born in Faribault as a descendant of Norwegian immigrant heritage.  Her great-grandparents were original settlers in Iowa arriving in 1849 and 1854 at St. Olaf and St. Ansgar, as well as in the Lanesboro, Minnesota area in the 1860’s.  From this proud heritage came the root of the strong belief in education.  Joann was a graduate of the Class of 1952 from the 
St. Olaf College, following her two older sisters who had graduated before her.  Joann embodied the tradition of hospitality and entertaining, setting beautiful tables for all to enjoy.

Joann and her husband, John were both graduates of Faribault High School and they were married in 1951.  They raised four healthy, happy children: Steven John Youngstrom (Sue Molzahn), Jean Marie Youngstrom, Amy Elizabeth Youngstrom, David Thomas Youngstrom (Kim Ault) in Minnetonka, where lifelong friendships made at the Excelsior Methodist Church were significant, and later in North Oaks, Minnesota.

Joann was a life-long giver.  She served her family, her church, her community and held positions in the many organizations she belonged to, just a few are:  The League of Women Voters, AAUW, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, the Como Aristonian Book Club and P.E.O..

The Youngstrom’s celebrated life with family and friends sailing Lake Superior, cross-country skiing and hiking, attending theater, concerts and the opera, and travelling the world.  The pride and joy of their lives though was their grandchildren:  Maarja, Madeline, Dustin, Kevin, Annika, Molly, Anders, Erik, and Betsy.  Joann also celebrated the arrival of great-grandchildren: Isla, Reo, Luke, Patrick, Thomas, Asher, Winnie and a soon to be newborn baby boy in May.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Centennial United Methodist Church
1524 W. Co, Rd. C2 Roseville, Minnesota.  Saturday, May 10th at 11 a.m. 
Visitation will be held one hour before the Service at 10 a.m. with a Luncheon to follow at noon, both at the church.

Memorials in lieu of flowers please to: The Centennial UMC Foundation, The St. Paul Area Council of Churches, or The St. Olaf College Fund.