Frank Youso

1936 - 2022

Frank Michael Youso Frank Michael Youso, 86, passed away on October 8th, 2022, surrounded by friends and family at Rainy Lake Medical Center in International Falls, Minnesota. Frank was born on July 5th, 1936, in South International Falls to Frank Sr. and Mary Youso. He graduated from Falls High in 1954 and went on to play football for the University of Minnesota Gophers. Frank met the love of his life, Evelyn Pelland, at a young age having both grown up in International Falls. They were married on November 30th, 1957 and were together for 65 years. They were blessed with four children: Raynita, Shelley, Brian, and Shawn. In 1957, Frank was drafted into the NFL by the New York Giants in the second round. He played in what is known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 World Championship versus the Baltimore Colts. He then went on to be the first player to sign with the new expansion team, the Minnesota Vikings. After that, he played with the Oakland Raiders until 1966 when a knee injury ended his football career. He was inducted into the International Falls Bronco Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012. Later that year he published a book titled New York Sleeping Giant: My Life and Pro Football. After football, Frank and Evelyn owned and operated Pinecrest Lodge on Lake Kabetogama and Northland Motor Court in International Falls. Frank was an active member of the community and Saint Thomas Catholic Church where he was Knight of Columbus for many years. He was also instrumental in establishing the Bronko Nagurski Museum. Frank loved nature and being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the lake cabin and hunting shack. His outgoing personality and sense of humor made him the life of the party. His kind and gentle heart was even larger than his physical presence and he loved to socialize with everyone. Frank was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Frank Sr. and Mary, and his siblings, Shirley Brown and Bob Youso. He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; his children Raynita Houglum (Rick), Shelley Foeckler (Alan), Brian Youso (Cindy), and Shawn Youso (Jody); his siblings, Mary (Francie) Phillipe (Raymond) and Henry Youso (Carol); his grandchildren, Tim Houglum (Katherine), Tara Kern (Josh), Jake Youso (Meghan), Matt Youso (Bailey), Jessa Youso, Ethan Youso, Deitrich Howe, Kate Foeckler, and Kirstin Shega (Steven); his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Kern, Sophie Houglum, Oliver Kern, and Landon Shega; his nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many friends; and his beloved fur baby, Bella, who misses her daddy. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 10:00 am in the Adoration Chapel at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. If so desired, memorials would be preferred in Frank's memory to the Bronko Nagurski Museum or the Falls Education Foundation.