Robert Young

Robert (Bob) William Young, 77, passed away peacefully the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the RiverView Hospital in Crookston with his wife and daughters at his side. Bob was born in Willmar, MN, on July 30, 1947, to loving parents Donald and Wilma Young.

Although born in Willmar, MN, Bob was never really a Minnesotan until 1987. This is because Bob was an "Army Brat. Bob's father was a career soldier and veteran of WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Bob's dad retired as a 1st Sergeant after more than 24 years of service.

As an "Army Brat", Bob was raised in various places around the world and the USA. He attended 1st and 2nd grades in Okinawa, accompanied his parents on two tours in Germany and lived at numerous posts in the U.S.

In 1967, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army under the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program and following basic and flight training became an Army Helicopter Pilot.

Bob's first operational assignment (Oct 68-Oct 69) was as an armed helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. During his tour, Bob flew over 400 combat and combat support sorties, during one of which his helicopter was shot down.

Following Viet Nam, Bob was transferred to Germany. There he was offered and accepted a direct commission to 1st Lieutenant. As his career progressed, Bob commanded a small detachment, then commanded a company sized unit, served as a battalion executive officer, taught academics at the Army Aviation Center and School and completed his career as an aviation staff officer with the 1st Army at Ft. Meade, MD. Bob retired from the Army on Sept 1,1987 at the rank of Major.

Bob's military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, 12 Air Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and numerous service ribbons and unit citations.

After Bob's retirement from the Army, he worked as Human Resources Director for Polk County Group Homes and was the VFW Post 1902 Gambling Manager for 18 ½ years.

Bob remained active in veteran affairs since his retirement primarily through service with the VFW, where he had served as Post Commander and as 9th District Commander and 9th District Chaplain. He also was a member of the American Legion, the DAV, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the IWVA, the Viet Nam Helicopter Pilots Association and the list goes on.

During his second tour in Germany, Bob met, fell in love with, and subsequently married his wife Lynette on August 9, 1977, in Littleton, CO. Lynette is daughter of Duane and Dora Moses of Crookston, MN (both deceased). (Explains why Bob chose to retire in Crookston). Bob and Lynette lived in San Antonio, Texas; Enterprise, Alabama; Manhattan, Kansas; Bowie, Maryland; and finally set roots in Crookston, Minnesota. Together they raised two daughters, Natalie and Heather.

Left to mourn Bob's passing are his wife, Lynette of Crookston, MN. Daughters, Natalie (Mark) Otterson of Warroad, MN, and Heather (Mike) Bergeron of East Grand Forks, MN. Grandchildren, Mike (Breanna) Otterson of Scottsdale, AZ, Jackie (Brent) Huebner of Morris, MN, Jon (Ashley) Otterson of Grafton, ND, Samantha Blackburn of Fargo, ND, Joshua (Ali) Blackburn of Grand Forks, ND, Ashley (Jack) Croaker, of Grand Forks, ND, Emily Bergeron, of Grand Forks, ND, Katie Bergeron of Tempe, AZ, and Lexi Bergeron of Odessa, TX. Many great-grandchildren; Sister, Noreen Brown of Grand Junction, CO; Brother, Craig Young of Grand Junction, CO; brother in law, Brent Moses; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Wilma Young; his father and mother in law, Duane and Dora Moses; his brother in law and sister, Henry and Janice Myers; sister in law, Debbie Young; brother in law, Bruce Moses.

Bob will be laid to rest at Fargo National Cemetery with Military Honors at 12pm on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Pastor Gretchen Enoch will be officiating.

May God bless the memory of Robert William Young.