Samuel A. “Sam” Young

Samuel A. “Sam” Young, 95 of Black River Falls died peacefully in his home on
Saturday, December 31, 2022.
Sam was born in Augusta, Wisconsin on 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 Teachers
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, Colorado.
Sam married Corinne Rindahl on August 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, January 22 at 1pm at the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Friends may call on the family
during visitation at the church on Saturday, January 21 from 4pm-6pm, 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.