Jeffery "Jeff" Youngs

Jeffery “Jeff” Scott Youngs, 65, of Paynesville, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 25. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, April 11 at Paynesville Lutheran. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship established in Jeff’s memory. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.

Jeff was born on July 26, 1960, in San Luis Obispo, California, to Larry and Jacquelyn (Leuk) Youngs. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Montevideo, Minnesota. He was baptized at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart and later confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Jeff graduated from Montevideo High School in 1979 and went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, where he earned a degree in Psychology, graduating in 1984.

On April 21, 1990, Jeff was united in marriage to Julie Haak at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Holloway, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children: Adam, Kayla, and Benjamin. The family made their home in Paynesville, where Jeff devoted 33 years to teaching Social Studies at Paynesville High School before retiring in 2020. He had a deep passion for education and took great pride in his work as a teacher.

Jeff was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He took great pride in his land and the wildlife it supported. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings and high school hockey. Above all, Jeff cherished time with his family and especially adored his grandchildren.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Julie, of Paynesville; his children: Adam (Riika) Youngs of Vancouver, Washington; Kayla (Zach) Anderson of Fargo, North Dakota; and Benjamin (Maddy) Youngs of Redmond, Washington; his grandchildren: Easton, Rorii, Emma, and Baby Youngs, due August 2026. He is also survived by his siblings, Steve (Andi) Youngs and Pam (Rod) Voorhees; his sister-in-law, Janet Brandau; his brother-in-law, Brian (Deb) Haak; uncle, Mike (Vonnie) Youngs; aunt, Pat (Wayne) Williams; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Jacquelyn Youngs.

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