Roma Lee Youngquist

Roma Youngquist, 91, of Edina, MN, formerly of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully June 12, 2026.

Roma was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Sie and Edythe Lundstrom April 23, 1935. Roma was the first of 2 children, followed soon after by her beloved brother Roger. Most of her years growing up were spent in the lovely prairie town of Fremont, Nebraska. The family has many wonderful memories of visiting Fremont when her dad was running a neighborhood grocery store and mom was teaching in a one room country schoolhouse. Roma shared many stories of family characters over the years, especially her favorite, Aunt Emmie.

Growing up, Roma said she was painfully shy. With braces on her teeth as a teenager and her tall frame she felt awkward and different. Soon however, she was revealed to be tall and beautiful, wearing smart and stylish homemade clothes that complimented her charm and sense of humor.

In 1955 she married Philip Mack, her high school sweetheart and professed love of her life. In the proceeding years they had 3 children, Greg, Tracey and Todd eventually moving to Des Moines, Iowa to pursue jobs and better schools. In the early years Roma volunteered in the local schools teaching reading skills and becoming involved in various church activities. Later, she began a career at the fledgling Blue Cross Blue Shield where she made lifelong friends and worked until retirement.

When Phil died in 1973, Roma took over the entire household until all of her children had completed their schooling. In the mid-1980s she married Jim Youngquist who she'd met through their church. Roma and Jim had a happy, busy life together - travelling the world, enjoying good times with friends, celebrating her Swedish heritage and always ready to have a good, loud laugh.

Roma was a proud grandparent who loved stories, pictures and visits with her 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was very involved with her church, St. John's Lutheran in Des Moines where her worship also meant making deep friendships. Her love for flower gardens was beautifully expressed in her own extensive gardens and inspired by long walks in Waterworks Park.

After Jim's death Roma began to need care. Still connecting with friends and family after her move to Minneapolis from Des Moines, she passed away comfortably at age 91.

The family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony in Minneapolis on June 27th.