Joseph Mark Youtsler

Mark was born in Letha, Idaho, March 3, 1921, to Bismark and Crystal (Ricketts) Youtsler. He was raised in that farming community, graduating from the 8th grade from the Emmett School District. To help support his family, he drove truck for a local business, and worked in the agriculture fields. Around 1936, the family moved to the Olney-Walluski area, off Labiske Lane.

From 1944-1946, he served in the Army, stationed in the Philippines, and then was part of the occupation forces of Japan. He earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and a rifle marksmanship award.

In 1949 he married Inga Mae Rasmussen in Astoria, and they raised their family on the Youtsler place. Mark was known in the logging circles of the county. He was skilled in a variety of jobs in this industry, including choker setter, faller, high climber, and yarder engineer. His name is included at Camp 18 at the Logger’s Memorial. He retired in 1978, then he did small machine work in the Clatsop area.

Mark liked to play pinochle, and participated in community activities at the Olney Grange as well as the Lower Columbia Danish Society. He was also a member of the Elks.

His wife died in 1988, and his son, Ken, in 2004. He is survived by his only remaining sister, Mary Rathbun of Federal Way, WA; his companion of 15 years, Harriet Antoniou of Warrenton; his children Joann Derie (Ardon) of Vancouver, WA, and Neil Youtsler (Renee) of Gig Harbor, WA, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held Friday, April 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, and then a reception at the Olney Grange.

Contributions in Mark’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Olney Grange.