Evelyn Sponberg Young
Evelyn Sponberg Young, belovedly called “Ma Young” for decades at Gustavus Adolphus College, died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005 at home in Edina. She was 93.
Young ran the food service operation at Gustavus for more than three decades, beginning in 1949. A 1933 Gustavus graduate, Young taught high school English before joining her alma mater to cook for (and mother) college students, employees, and guests.
Known for her good food — including Swedish rye bread, almond creme pie, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, ginger snaps, scones, and more — Young was also known for her energy, enthusiasm, kindness, and service to others.
Evelyn was active at at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, at Gustavus, at the American Swedish Institute, at the Rembrandt Retirement Community, and also served as food service director at Camp Lincoln, and Camp Lake Hubert.
Married to Gus Young, who was men’s basketball coach at Gustavus from 1949 to 1957, Evelyn was an avid basketball fan as well as the mother of two — Margie and Allie. Evelyn and Gus owned and operated bowling alleys and dining rooms in Northfield, Austin, and Edina.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home at West 50th and Highway 100 in Edina. The funeral is at noon on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church at 5025 Knox Ave., Minneapolis.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 on campus, followed by a reception in the Evelyn Young Dining Room.
Memorials are preferred to the Evelyn Young Endowed Scholarship at Gustavus.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510