Ernest Matthew Youngbauer

Ernie Youngbauer passed away Monday, November 29, 2021 at his home in Pine City at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

Ernest Matthew Youngbauer was born October 16, 1932 to Matthew and Emma (Johnson)/Paulson Youngbauer on the family farm in Rock Creek Township, Pine County, Minnesota.  Ernie was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City.

When Ernie was five years old his family moved to the farm that Ernie lived on for the rest of his life.  He graduated the 8^th grade from the West Rock one-room school house. As many of the boys did at that time, Ernie did not continue his education and worked on the family farm.  He also worked for his Uncle Joe M. Pangerl’s sawmill.  His Aunt Emma provided noon dinners and Ernie always bragged about her cooking.  When working for Dallas Teich, he and Delbert Delaney hauled cattle to South St. Paul. 

At the age of 18, Ernie was drafted into the United States Army.  After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he attended engineer training in Palm Desert, CA. He was sent to Naknek, AK for two years and made lifelong friends with Robert Auch and Cletus Dingman. After his honorable discharge March 2, 1955 from Fort Winfield Scott, Presidio, CA, he returned home to the family farm that he eventually bought from his father.

In 1969, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Norring and they were married November 27, 1971 at Zion Lutheran Church. A complete Thanksgiving dinner was served by the ladies of the church followed by a wedding reception at the Royalton Town Hall.  Ernie and Bonnie were married for 50 years and two days. He became an instant dad to four teenagers and always considered them his sons and daughter.  Ernie was very proud when he became a grandpa.

Ernie continued farming until a government dairy buyout in 1986.  He also worked for Royalton Township, Greely Creamery, API Creamery and the City of Rock Creek.  Through the years he was active in his church; serving as an usher, elder and president of the church council.  Ernie was a member of the Chengwatana Saddle Club, Wood City Ramblers Camping Club and the American Legion Post #51 for 57 years.  He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting at the shack in Nickerson. 

Ernie and Bonnie enjoyed many things together; riding horseback, walleye fishing in Canada, camping with friends and relatives, and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona.  He loved his family fiercely and when they told him they loved him he would reply “and don’t you forget it”.  He lead his family by example, through hard work, loyalty and dedication.  He will be dearly missed.

Ernie is survived by his wife Bonnie Youngbauer; children; James (Debbie) Norring, Rick (Deb) Norring, Terrie (Frank) Soukup; daughter-in-law Christine Norring; grandchildren: Shawn Norring, Michelle (Chris Quirogn) Norring, Dustin Norring, John Jr. (Jessica) Norring, Joseph (Sarah) Norring, Jerred (Dena) Norring, Jesse (Kerri) Norring, Jordan Norring, Thomas (Bridgette) Norring, Joshua (Jennifer O’Brien) Soukup, CJ Soukup;  21 great grandchildren; sister, Charlene Schwarz; cousin and best friend, Art Pangerl, many nieces and nephews,  and friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Emma Youngbauer; son, John Norring; brother, Charles Youngbauer, brothers and sisters-in-laws, James & Lois Youngbauer, Clarence & Mary Ann Paulson; in-laws, John & Edna Manke; brother-in-law, Donald Schwarz; sister-in-law and brothers-in-laws, Janet (Dick) Fennern; Dale Perron, Emil Rishavy.

Pastor Glen Kleppe will officiate the funeral service for Ernie:  11:00 AM Saturday, May 14^th at the Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City.  A time of visitation for friends and family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.   Private family interment will take place at Johnson Memorial Cemetery in Rock Creek.

Funeral arrangements for Ernest Youngbauer are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndFuneralCremationService.com