Robert A. Young

Robert A. "Bob" Young, 101, of Sparta, WI, formerly of Ft. Wayne, passed away March 6, 2025, in Sparta, WI. He was a retired Lutheran pastor, earning his Doctorate in Theology. Bob served at Trinity English Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne, in the 1960's and 1970's with pastors Drs. Paul Krauss and Richard Frazier. He also served churches in New Castle, IN, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada, where assisted the Las Vegas Salvation Army with intense programs to combat alcohol and gambling addictions.

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 fan and supporter. Volunteering for the US Army, Robert 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 in Ft. Wayne as a sportswriter for Ft. Wayne newspapers, covering local Ft. Wayne high schools plus the Ft. Wayne NBA Zollner Pistons. In addition, 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 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, of Ft. Wayne, daughter of Clarence and Malinda (Irmscher) Figel, both of whom pre-deceased her. As a North Side HS and DePauw University graduate, she and Bob married at Ft. Wayne's St. Paul Lutheran Church. Clarlynn was a wonderful teacher and assisted in Bob's ministry before 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 the warmth of Sarasota and Jeanne's family's ties. Jeanne preceded Bob in death, then Bob returned to Wisconsin to be close to family.

Robert (known to his grandkids as "Grandpa Pal") was a dedicated, smart, inspirational "nice guy". He appreciated his family, his iPad, and especially many wonderful nurses, physicians, and other providers and 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, WI Charmant Hotel, with a walk around Riverside Park on a beautiful June day, an excellent 100th! The family requests no flowers. A memorial service is pending. Burial will occur at the Sarasota Veterans National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL, with a headstone at Lindenwood Cemetery, Ft. Wayne.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic Health System, Sparta, WI, to the Wounded Warriors' Project, or to The Salvation Army.