Barbara Jean Youngquist

life story

Barbara "Barb" Youngquist was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota, to Bill and Lorraine Duininck. She graduated from Renville High School and went on to attend Augsburg College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education.

On July 29, 1967, Barb married Michael “Mike” W. Youngquist. Together they built a beautiful life spanning nearly six decades, raising their two children, Kristen and Jeff, and creating a home filled with love, faith, music, and adventure.

A few years into their marriage, Mike enlisted in the military and served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. During his deployment, Barb returned to Augsburg College to complete her degree, demonstrating the determination and resilience that would characterize her throughout her life.

Music was the thread woven through every chapter of Barb's life. No matter where she lived, she shared her gifts by directing adult and children's choirs, playing handbells, performing with recorder ensembles, playing saxophone in community bands, and serving as a substitute teacher. While living in Willmar, Minnesota, she directed the handbell choir and served as the Congregational Life Coordinator at Vinje Lutheran Church. While there, she and fellow musician Nancy Sandro composed, illustrated, and published a book of Bell Prayers that was distributed nationally. Their hope was that handbell choirs could "play" a prayer before rehearsals rather than simply speak one.

Barb and Mike shared a deep love for Minnesota's North Shore, and when they retired, they made Grand Marais their home. There they embraced the beauty of the outdoors through hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Barb also became active in the local arts community, creating many beautiful watercolor paintings that reflected her appreciation for nature and creativity. She continued her lifelong involvement in church music at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she re-established the handbell choir and inspired others through her passion and leadership.

In 2018, Barb suffered a stroke that forever changed the course of her life. Yet even as new challenges emerged, her strength, courage, and enduring spirit remained evident. Her family walked alongside her through those years, finding strength in one another and cherishing every moment they were blessed to share.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lorraine Duininck.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Youngquist; her daughter, Kristen (Tim) Theisen; her son, Jeff (Amy) Youngquist; and her beloved grandchildren, Zachary (Savanna), Alex, Connor, and Parker.

Barb's life was a song of faith, family, music, creativity, and service. Her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Barb’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday Oct 31, 2026 at 11am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, Mn. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Music Ministry in Grand Marais, Mn.