Robert A Young

Robert A. Young died March 6, 2025 in Sparta, WI. He was a retired Lutheran pastor, earning his Doctorate in Theology, serving churches in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and in Wisconsin. Also, Robert had assisted the Las Vegas Salvation Army with its effective alcohol and gambling ministries when he served a church in Las Vegas.

Bob was born to Arthur and Alma (Winte) Young in Fort Wayne, IN on June 18, 1923. Graduating from Fort Wayne South Side HS and attending Indiana University, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and remained a life-long Indiana University supporter. Volunteering for the US Army, he served effectively in the Philippines Campaign during WW II, loved the people there, and always has supported men and women in our country’s service.

After returning to the states, he worked as a sportswriter, covering local high school and NBA Pistons games. Plus, Robert served on the national Board of Directors of Little League Baseball, emphasizing bringing baseball to kids. He was especially proud of his association with former Major League Baseball Dodger President Branch Rickey, who was instrumental in desegregating major-league baseball later nationally. Later, during his ministry, Bob treasured his relationship with the Rev. Billy Graham, who brought God’s message to millions.

In 1946, Robert married Clarlynn Martha (Figel) Young, a Ft. Wayne North Side HS and DePauw University graduate, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne. She was a superb teacher and assisted in his ministry, passing away in 2009. Later, Bob married Jeanne K. Phillips of Northumberland, PA at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sarasota, FL. Bob and Jeanne then moved to and appreciated warm Sarasota. Jeanne preceded Bob in death, and Bob returned to WI.

Robert (known to his grandkids as “Grandpa Pal”) was a dedicated, smart, inspirational “nice guy”. He appreciated his family, his iPad, and the many wonderful nurses, physicians, and other caregivers. He treasured his children and their spouses, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and so many others, and tried to assist those in need. Almost two years ago, Bob was honored with a wonderful 100th birthday luncheon with some family members at the downtown LaCrosse Charmant Hotel, with a walk around Riverside Park on a beautiful June day.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic Health System, Sparta, WI, to the Wounded Warriors Project, or to the Salvation Army. A memorial mass with prayer will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Sparta, on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 4 p.m. Lenten Supper will follow at Ginny’s Cupboard. Sparta. Burial will occur at the Sarasota Veterans National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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