Richard "Rick" Youngbauer

Rick was born on August 2, 1956 in Wesley Hospital to Simon & Lucille (Rohr) Youngbauer. Rick went to school St. Ann’s Catholic School and graduated from Wadena High School with the class of 1974. After high school Rick worked for a short time in Fargo and Willmar before going to school in Thief River Falls to start his radio career. Rick started as a morning announcer on KWAD/KKWS in Wadena in 1978 and later General Manager. Rick spent all but a couple years in radio until he retired in 2017. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Rick passed away at his home with family and under the care of Knute Nelson.

Rick spent countless hours donating his time and radio talents throughout the years at various community activities, including Golden Gloves Boxing. Rick was a member of the Wadena Elks Lodge, Knob Hill Sportsman’s Club, Lifetime Member of the MN Deer Hunters Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Throughout the years Rick emceed hundreds of local and regional banquets and benefits. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of “The Shack” and always enjoyed going for rides on country back roads.

Rick was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church where he received his sacraments including marrying his wife Linda (Tigges) on April 1, 1978. On December 4, 1984 Rick and Linda were blessed with their daughter Katie Marie.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Simon & Lucille Youngbauer, sister Sandy, brother & sister-in-law Ron & Deb Youngbauer and brother-in-law Richard Hess. Rick leaves behind his wife of 44 years Linda, daughter Katie, (fiancé Kevin Roach), granddaughter Kennedy, sisters Bonnie (Don Durkee), and Polly Hess along with countless nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please consider Wadena Elks Lodge or Knute Nelson Hospice.

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