We celebrate the life of Curtis William Younker, age 86, who passed peacefully in his home on December 30, 2023. Born on July 14th, 1937 in Mason City, Iowa, he was the oldest child of Beatrice Marie (Brown) Younker and William Howard Younker. Curt grew up in Osage, Iowa and graduated from Osage High School in 1955. He enlisted in the United States Air Force that September, graduated flight school at the top of his class, and received an honorable discharge in 1959.
Curt was sworn into the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department in 1964 and acted as the county’s lone deputy through the social unrest of Viet Nam. He was elected Sheriff in 1984 and upon his retirement had served the Department with honor and distinction for 50 years. In “retirement” Curt enjoyed supporting his community as a librarian at the Osage Public Library.
Throughout his career, Curt was recognized for his intelligence, integrity, and compassion. He received numerous commendations and awards, including the Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor, which was presented by Governor Tom Vilsack in 2006 after Curt saved a pilot from a burning plane. His dedication to public safety and his commitment to making a difference in our community were evident in everything he did.
Curt was not just a man in a uniform, he was an independent thinker with an excess of creative energy. In his youth he supported himself as a painter and some of his work can still be found across Mitchell County or on the sides of traveling Midwest carnivals. He studied photography and architecture, learned fine woodworking, and ultimately spent 11 years building an earth home with his wife Angie. He called this his “House in the Woods” and it is as unique and beautiful as he was.
Curt was also an avid traveler and motorcyclist. He liked to tell stories about the highways, campgrounds, and roadside dives he saw all over the continental United States. His preferred family vacations consisted of long hours driving through the American west with his wife and children, and he had special memories of touring Mexico with his brother, Ric.
More than any of these things, Curt was a beloved father and spouse. He married the love of his life Angela “Angie” Smith in 1985 and together they raised two children who still hold their father in very high esteem.
Curt is survived by his: wife, Angela Younker; two daughters, Serene (Jeremy) Stang of Cold Spring, Minnesota and Jessica Voight of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and one son Curtis (Erin) Younker II, of Clifton, Virginia; seven grandchildren; brother Richard (Terri) Lancaster; many other family whom he cherished.
Curt Younker left a legacy of service, courage, and kindness. His wisdom will be remembered by those whose lives he touched just as his impact on the community will continue to resonate through Mitchell County. We mourn his loss, but also celebrate his remarkable life and honor his memory.
A visitation for Curt will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa, with a memorial service following at 11:00. The burial will take place at the Osage Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memoriam to the Osage Public Library.
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