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Rev. Stephen Mark Youngdahl, 78, of Spicewood, Texas, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, February 17, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Steve was born on April 12, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rev. Reuben and Ruth Youngdahl. He grew up attending Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, where his father served as Senior Pastor. Summers were spent at Cathedral of the Pines Camp in Lutsen, Minnesota, where he enjoyed hiking, playing softball, performing skits, and worshiping in the chapel overlooking Caribou Lake. His favorite tradition was sweating in the sauna before plunging into the cool waters of the lake-a love he passed on to his family.
Steve graduated from Washburn High School in 1964 and earned a degree in History from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1968. He then attended Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, where he received his Master of Divinity and formed lifelong friendships. During his seminary internship at First English Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, he met Phyllis Stroman. They married on October 15, 1971, beginning a wonderful life together.
Steve's first pastoral call was to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he served for four years. In 1977, he founded Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, where he faithfully ministered for 35 years until his retirement in 2011. The congregation flourished under his leadership and vision.
An avid traveler, Steve explored six continents with family and friends. He cherished annual ski trips to Colorado and introduced many SOTH youth to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoyed golf, basketball, tennis, and cheering for his favorite teams.
Steve is survived by his wife, Phyllis Youngdahl; sons Eric (Lindsay), Mark (Brooke), and John (Marcy); and eight grandchildren: Ford, Reuben, Grete, Landry, Miller, Barret, Lane, and Maren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Paul Youngdahl and Susan Hogan.
A memorial service will be held on April 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3525 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral of the Pines Camp, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, or Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church.
We remember Pastor Steve's family and friends in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure.
In Christ,
Bishop Sue Briner
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