SAMUEL A. “SAM” YOUNG
SAMUEL A. “SAM” YOUNG
Samuel A. “Sam” Young, 95, of Black River Falls died peacefully in his home Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022.
Sam was born in Augusta, WI, April 30, 1927, to William A. and Emilie (Gerike) Young. After graduating from Augusta High School in 1944, where he was a talented and respected athlete, he attended River Falls Teacher’s College before being called up to serve aboard the U.S.S. Walker for the U.S. Navy (1945-1946). After his discharge from the Navy, Sam attended Eau Claire State Teacher’s College (now UW-Eau Claire), where he received his teaching degree. During his studies at Eau Claire, he lettered in baseball, football and basketball. He was team captain of the 1948 Wisconsin State College Conference Football Championship Team and all-conference in 1947 and 1948.
Sam furthered his education in later years, receiving his master’s degree from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO.
Sam married Corinne Rindahl Aug. 12, 1949, and they settled in Black River Falls, where Sam taught physical education, math and science until his retirement in 1988. During his teaching career, Sam coached football for 23 years and basketball for 39. His basketball coaching career, exceeding 500 wins, included five conference championships, seven regional titles and two trips to the state tournament. Sam was also the athletic director for 25 years, high school vice principal for 16 years and served as a coach for baseball, track and golf.
In addition to coaching, Sam spent 30 years officiating at the high school and college levels. In 1976, Sam was selected to travel to Europe to officiate in a series of five college football games for the Intercontinental Football League.
Sam became one of the earliest members voted into the Blugold Hall of Fame in 1975 and is also in the State Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He was a charter member of the Wisconsin High School Basketball Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. Sam was one of three inducted into the Augusta Area School District Hall of Honor, Inaugural Class of 2017. Sam served as a member of the Black River Falls Lions Club for 35 years, including one year as president. Sam enjoyed the community of Black River Falls where he gained the friendship and respect of many people across several generations. He was an avid bridge player, gardener, fisherman, and golfer as well as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Sam is survived by his wife, Corinne; son Steven; daughters Becky (Steve) Meyer and Kristen (Andrew) Miller; grandchildren Christopher (Mirian) Burgau, Katie Burgau, Samuel (Lyla) Miller, Emelia Miller and Luca Miller; and brother David (Joan) Young.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emile Young; brother William Young; sister Corrine Maier; and son David (Dubs) Young.
A memorial service for Sam Young will be held Sunday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Friends may call on the family during visitation at the church Saturday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., as well as from noon until the time of service. A meal and time of remembrance will follow the service.
The Torgerson Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family, 715-284-4321.