Kurt Eric Youngstrom

Kurt Eric Youngstrom, age 85, passed away peacefully under hospice care on November 6 in Overland Park, KS.

He was born in Durham, North Carolina, to Karl Arden Youngstrom and Glenna Lucile Myers Youngstrom on May 29, 1940. As a young child, he lived in China for a year while his father was serving as an army physician. That early experience, far from home, helped shape his curiosity about the wider world.

He leaves his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Jane, who holds his memories closely. He is also survived by his eldest son, Aaron, of Lawrence, KS; a second son, Whitney, of Honeoye Falls, NY and his wife, Sarah and their two children, August and Hazel. He is survived as well by his younger brother and sister-in-law Rick and Janine Youngstrom of Imperial, MO; his nephew, and niece-in-law, Eric and Jen Youngstrom of Columbus Ohio; and a wide circle of loving extended family and friends.

He attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a BS in architecture in 1969. A year later he completed a Master's degree in American Studies. While in graduate school he secured a HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Operation Breakthrough Grant to fast track modular industrialized housing construction for a firm in Sedalia, MO. Even early in his career, he was drawn to practical, creative solutions that could improve everyday living.

He began his architectural work with several firms in Kansas City. In 1973 he was transferred to St. Petersburg, FL by Peckham, Guyton, Albers and Viets Architects. Several years later he opened his own architectural practice, Youngstrom and Associates in Clearwater, Fl (1975-1988). Kurt's work included projects for McDonalds, land planning in Tampa's Carrolwood area, church additions (including Chapel by the Sea in Ft. Myers), professional lawyer and doctor offices, residences, and renovation of downtown Clearwater building facades. After moving back to Kansas City in 1988 his practice transferred to building inspection and environmental assessment. He continued to care deeply about the esthetics and functionality of how spaces are built and used.

Kurt will be remembered for his love of fine architecture/land planning, the importance of community, friend and family relationships, and his sense of humor coupled with a twinkle in his eyes. When designing for others, he was a careful listener who could translate his clients' needs into well-designed places to live, work, and gather, He was a problem-solver, a community builder, and a big -picture thinker. He loved meeting new people and was known to carry on lengthy conversations with clerks at the checkout counter. He was often the first to welcome new neighbors and knew everyone on the block. He loved his family and took interest in his sons' activities whether coaching a soccer team or teaching them to use tools. He followed their education and career choices and always encouraged them.

Outside of work, Kurt loved reading-often with a paperback tucked into his hip pocket-traveling and cheering on KU basketball. Later in life, he developed an elaborate bird-feeding operation around their home, constantly challenged to find new ways to feed the birds without feeding the squirrels. He continued to apply his love of design by taking junior college sculpture classes. Taught to play bridge by his grandfather Myers, he returned to the game as a favorite pastime in his later years.

His legacy lives on in the buildings he designed, the neighborhoods he helped shape and, most of all in the hearts of those who loved him and were loved by him.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on March 14, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to KU Endowment, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160, to benefit the KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Online contributions may be made at www.kuendowment.org/give. Please indicate that donations are in memory of Kurt Youngstrom.