Frank Youso, a standout lineman for the Gophers and Vikings, died Saturday in his native International Falls. He was 86.
Former Vikings, Gophers lineman Frank Youso dies at 86
The International Falls native was on the first two Vikings team, starting at right offensive tackle.
October 10, 2022 at 5:57PM
Youso, who was 6-4 and 250 pounds during his playing days, came from the Falls to play for the Gophers from 1954-57.
He was drafted in the second round in 1958 by the New York Giants, and won an NFL title in his first season.
After three years in New York, he was released and signed with the expansion Vikings in 1961. He played two seasons as the starting right offensive tackle with Minnesota before three seasons with Oakland in the rival American Football League.
He and his wife of 65 years, Evelyn, ran a resort and motel near Lake Kabetogama after his football career. He is survived by his wife and his four children.
Youso's funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls.
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
