John Melvin Youngbeck, Jr., Custer, died of cancer August 12, 2018 at the age of 67. He was born in Minot, ND, August 8, 1951. John graduated from Minot High School and attended North Dakota State University. He married Karen Peterson in 1973. Though they decided to part, they remained lifelong friends.

John built a life in the Black Hills. He worked for Mount Rushmore, Burlington Northern Railroad, Crazy Horse Monument, Black Hills Institute, Custer Resort Co. and Wade’s Gold Mill. John loved to weave a story from everyday events into one that would have you laughing and seeing the irony of life.

He also was a man of simple pleasures….loved his dogs (Lightfoot, Petra and AJ), listening to good music, watching old television shows, target shooting, woodworking, a good beer, fly fishing, and playing pool.

John is survived by his brother Jerry Youngbeck, sister, Mary (Charles) Draper, niece Elizabeth and nephew C. Alexander Draper. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris Elaine (Valker) and John Melvin Youngbeck, Sr..