Service Information
Everett “Les” Young, Jr., age 81, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson.
Private Service will be held.
Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Everett Leslie Young, Jr. (Les) was born in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was raised as a farm boy and attended country school in Sibley County before moving to New Ulm for high school. The family still spent summers on the farm, and his jobs included survey work in the fields. He loved being on country roads. Les attended the University of Minnesota and received his degree in chemical engineering. He was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and lived in the house with other engineering students who became his lifelong friends. He met a young woman in the dental hygiene program during his university days.
Les and Joyce Ann Kurth were married in 1962. Their first home together was in St. Louis Park, while Joyce completed her degree at the University and Les commuted to Hutchinson, where he began work at the 3M plant. They eventually bought a small house on Pishney Lane in Hutchinson. After a few years in town and the addition of two sons, the family moved to a ten-acre parcel in the country. They dubbed it the Square X Ranch, built a house and planted trees along the perimeter. They raised cattle for a number of years, along with horses, cats, and dogs, with a few chickens in the mix. He got a real tractor and farmed 80 acres in Sibley County, earning him the title of farmer, even as his career at 3M advanced from engineer to product manager. He worked for a few years in the company headquarters in St. Paul, keeping the home in Hutchinson and commuting most days so the family could stay put. His travel for 3M took him around the world, to Asia and Europe, and he remained in contact with friends in many countries. He became increasingly involved at Peace Lutheran Church over the years, serving as the president of the congregation, leading projects and planning groups, as well as providing a steady source of good counsel to pastors, staff, and members of the church. He became active in faith-based groups that served the community. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time “up at the lake” with family, especially his grandchildren, and formed another community of friends in Walker. He was a lover of watercolor art and guitar music, an avid runner, and progressive thinker about land conservation and farming.
Les is survived by his wife Joyce; brother David (and partner Paul), brother Michael (and wife Carol), and sister Dorothy Jeanne (and husband Chris); son Rett (and wife Atma Kirin) and son Chris (and wife Michelle); grandchildren Tony, Stephen, Jenny, Ashley, Vincent, and Riley; and great-granddaughters Mariana and Gloria.
Andrea Koenig says
Joyce,
Please accept our sincere sympathy upon the passing of Les.
May your strong faith be a comfort for you and the family in the difficult days
ahead. God Bless~~~~
Arnie and Andy Koenig
Barb and Don Mathiowetz says
We would like to send our prayers and wishes for piece and comfort for Joyce and her family.
Les was a lifelong friend and a beautiful example of a faithful Christian man. My friendship began in the seventh grade, when Les showed his kind hospitality to a new kid in class. It continued through high school and in college, where we were fraternity brothers and fellow chemical engineering students. One of the joys of my friendship was the privilege to sing for Les and Joyce’s wedding.
We have kept in touch over these many years through correspondence, emails, and reunions.
It is difficult to overstate the value of that friendship. Les has been a straight-shooter and a source of calm wisdom for our whole class and for everyone who had the privilege to know him.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
With love,
Barb and Don Mathiowetz
Guy and Geanie Yokom says
Our hearts go out to his family. His sister, Dorothy Young Opheim, is a dear friend and we send our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. His brother, Mike, was also a friend and classmate of my sister. Les was in my brother’s class and they were good friends. The Young family and ours spent lots of time growing up together and the sadness and loss that they feel, we feel and we send our deepest love to them. Guy and Geanie (Stone) Yokom
Eugene Bieraugel says
Dear Joyce,
With great sadness, we learned about the passing of your beloved husband and my classmate Les.
We will always remember with fond memories the hospitality that you and Les showed at Leach Lake following the celebration of NUHS ‘s class of ’57 and its 70th birthday party. We truly appreciate that we got to know you two as you hosted us at your vacation home. Our heart-felt sympathy reaches out to you and your family at this time.
Gene and Marge Bieraugel
Shirley Miller says
Sorry for your loss. Les and you were a wonderful friend to me when I joined Peace church. Les will be greatly missed.
David & Maureen Franzen says
Joyce I am so happy I got to see you both when I was cutting your lawn. Our prayers go out to your family.
Kim Heikes says
I didn’t know Les well, but whenever I saw him he had a big smile and kind words. God bless his family during this difficult time. God called another strong man home to help Him out.
Troy Kurth says
I want to give you my deepest sympathy for his passing. May god bless you during this very hard time!
Judy Riebe says
You have my sympathy. I worked for Les and he was an awesome boss. You are in my prayers.
Julie Kaufmann Karl says
Prayers and hugs to your family.
Patricia Buske says
Joyce,
We were so sorry to hear about Les. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
God’s blessings.
Porky and Pat Buske
G. Barry Garske says
My condolences to the family at the permanent departure of Les. He’s now in a better place living with Jesus.
I remember Les from HS choir and a committee or two that we served on together. I left New Ulm end of summer of 57, and lost contact with Les. Looking forward to seeing Les in his new home.
barry
Skip Stone says
A friend in all and every respect. Joyce, Les and I played on the varsity B team in 1956..We went 13 and 6. It was then that an opposing player called Les (Oscar) during the game. The name stuck from that time forward! Also, Oscar and I at least 50 times rose early in the morning before school and drove to Swan Lake to hunt ducks, He always brought cookies his mom made and they were so good with coffee as we sat in the duck boat. Also, Les was my BEST MAN at my first wedding in 1963. We had so many fun times together there just is not enough space to list. I loved him like a brother. Hillary and I enjoyed you two so much when you visited us in Palm Desert in 1998.
Please know that you and your family are in our fondest thoughts During this difficult time.
Skip and Hillary.
G. Barry Garske says
I know Les has been made whole and is with Jesus in Heaven. Sympathy and condolences for those he left behind.
I remember Les playing basketball and football. He was reserved, almost but not quite shy. I played ping pong against him a couple of times. Also remember Les from choir and we both served on Homecoming committees.
See you in heaven Les!
John Kalenberg says
Our deepest sympathy to you Joyce and your family.
Les was a good Christian man and John will miss working with him.
John and Linda Kalenberg
Walt Bauer says
Les was a special friend during my last few years living at the Delta Chi house at the U of Minn. I really enjoyed knowing Les and was saddened by the news of his passing.
Jane and I especially enjoyed a special reunion with Delta Chi friends a few years ago when we were in Mpls attending a program at the U. Our good friend Doug Gillespie organized a get together with several Delta Chi alums which included Les and Joyce.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Walt (Wally) and Jane Bauer.
Address: 8919 Park Rd, DC22 Charlotte, NC 28210
Troy Kurth says
My deepest sympathy goes with the young family. May God bless you during this very difficult time. he was a great man.
Arlene Zimmerman says
Joyce and boys, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of husband and dad. I have some great memories of Jaycees in Hutch and those activities.
Blessings to all, Arlene Zimmerman
Pat Kolander says
Dear Joyce and family
I was so sorry to hear of Les passing. I know how difficult it is for you and your children. Dave
and Les both worked at 3M, traveled overseas, were chemical engineers, and Delta Chi Guys and most importantly friends.
They were the best of the best! Prayers for you and your family..