Geri Young, 87, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at St. Francis Home in Breckenridge.
Geraldine Mae Young was born on October 20, 1938, on the family farm near Walcott, North Dakota, to Russell and Lois (Johnson) Nelson. She attended a rural elementary school in Viking Township and later attended high school in Walcott, graduating in the spring of 1956. She then attended NDSSS, studying in a secretarial course, where she met the love of her life, Donald Young.
Her first job was at Richland County Social Services as a secretary. Don and Geri were wed on October 4, 1958, at Barrie Congregational Church near Walcott, North Dakota.
They first settled in Wahpeton, and later, the couple moved to Breckenridge, where they lived the rest of their lives. They had a close group of friends who enjoyed playing cards monthly, dancing, camping, and raising their children together.
Their first child, Debra, was born in 1959, and during the next 10 years, Geri had four sons. Geri devoted most of her time to being a mother. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and watching them grow up was the pride of her life. In 1980, she resumed working at Wilkin County in the WIC program. She spent over 20 years weighing and measuring babies and enjoyed her time there until her retirement in 2001.
Don and Geri later enjoyed traveling south for several months each winter, until Geri realized she was missing too many of her grandchildren’s events. Don and Geri were very active and faithful to attend all their grandchildren’s games, concerts, and decided it was best to stay closer to home. She was a very active member of Breckenridge Lutheran Church, belonging to a circle, attending Bible studies, and always helping whenever needed as a server. She also enjoyed quilting with her friends from church. Most of all, family was the most important thing in Geri’s life.
Geri is survived by her loving husband, Don, of Breckenridge. Her children: Debra Berndt, Michael (Sherry) Young, Larry Young, Robert (Brenda) Young, and Kevin (Kathy) Young. Grandchildren: Brady (Megan) Berndt, Rayna (Erik) Jorgenson, Lance (Jessica) Berndt, Megan Berndt, Caitlin (Austin) Kemmer, Joshua Young, Amy (Ryan) Engfer, Nate (Fiancé Lorissa) Young, Luke Young, Sarah (Josh) Kellner, Kimberly (Matt) Roffer. Great-grandchildren: Max, Jolee, Griffin, Parker, Jack, and a baby on the way. Her brother, James Nelson. Brother-in-law, Roger (Carol) Young. Sisters-in-law: Lois (Ray) Shannon, Gloria (Bob) Griffin. And numerous nieces and nephews.
Geri is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Lois Nelson. Mother and Father-in-law, August and Alma Young. Sister, Helen (Duane) Hart. Brother, Roger Nelson. Brothers-in-law: Arnold (Gloria) Young and Norman (Donna) Young. And great-grandson, Bodie Oscar Jorgenson.
A service will be held in Geri’s honor on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at Breckenridge Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. With a Visitation taking place on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a prayer service held at 7:00. Visitation will continue one hour before her funeral service on Saturday, starting at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
Arrangements entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.
