Raymond Earl Youstra, Jr.

In high school, he skipped his prom and did not buy a class ring, using his savings instead on a class trip to Washington, DC, because he would never again have the opportunity to visit the Nation’s Capital – little did he realize that it would soon become his home for over 60 years.

He spent two years studying at Mundelein Seminary which, fortunately for many of us, he decided was not the direction his life was leading. He also attended Loyola University in Chicago.

He met Josephine Giaquinta working at The Critic magazine in Chicago and knew she was the one. After asking for her hand in marriage twice, she finally said “Yes” on the third try, because “I realized he wasn’t going to give up.” That loving persistence lasted through his final moments of lucidity, when he kept puckering up in requests for more kisses. From these 63 years of marriage came six children – Maria-Rose Cain (Steve), Helene Redmond (Bill), Ray (Ellen), Bill (Jen), Chris (Chris Anne), and Stephanie – fourteen grandchildren (and three grandchildren-in-law), and one great-granddaughter.

Ray’s professional career began as a teacher to struggling students at De La Salle High School in Chicago. As the family began to grow, he transitioned into a job with the Navy Department and then moved to IBM, where he worked for over 30 years – first in sales, then in training and consulting. Within months of retiring, he was back in the classroom, where for 20 years he guided students through St. Mary’s, Holy Redeemer, and St. Martin’s with his contagious passion and enthusiasm for learning, and an ever-expanding collection of fun neckties.

A true Renaissance man, Ray instilled in his children a love for and deep appreciation of theater, music, learning, creativity, and laughter; his spare time was often filled with hobbies ranging from photography, woodworking, history, reading, cooking, and baking; on the side, he was a scout leader, choir member, and election worker. He dedicated hours cheering on his grandchildren at concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances with grand laughter and thunderous applause. An extensive model train layout filled the basement of his house; the first floor’s walls were covered with books; handmade desks occupied the bedrooms upstairs; and lots of clever sketches and artwork was scattered throughout.

Though Ray’s arrival on this earth had frosty origins, you wouldn’t know it to meet him – his warmth, kindness, and joy exuded to everyone he met. Certainly his family, friends, students, and colleagues all recognized this. But even those whose lives were only briefly touched by him all felt that – Ray never met a stranger. Even through his medical challenges, Ray kept his faith, grateful for the life he had been given; while reflecting upon his life, his conclusion was, “I’m a happy man.”

Friends may call at De Vol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive Gaithersburg, MD on Wednesday from 2-4 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Martin of Tours 201 S. Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD on Thursday, December 21st at 10:30 AM. Interment All Souls Cemetery Germantown.

Contributions may be made in Ray’s name to the St. Martin’s Food Pantry (201 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877)