Dorothy R. Youngberg, 93, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at Lexington Health and Rehabilitation in Kenneth City, FL.
Born June 3, 1932, in St. Paul, MN, she was the second of 2 daughters born to Robert and Elsie (Strutz) Rosacker. Her older sister died in 1937.
She and her two children, Scott and Tracy, moved to St. Petersburg, FL when her children were toddlers in the mid-1950’s. It was then Dorothy became one of the first female taxicab drivers in St. Petersburg. In 1960 Dorothy’s father passed away in Cameron, WI and the three of them moved north to take over the motel that he owned. In 1966 they returned to St. Petersburg when the children started high school.
She was a nanny and caregiver to many families and throughout her life was an active church member. When a community member lost everything in a house fire, Dorothy organized a fundraiser for the family. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting and crocheting prayer shawls, making Raggedy Anns, clowns and many other crafty things.
When she was in her 80’s she wrote a book about her travels and adventures around the country. One trip when she was 61, she drove around the perimeter of the United States. She drove 9,320 miles visiting family and friends all the while staying only 5 nights in motels during the over 2-month journey.
She loved to share her stories and in 2013 won a writing award in the Intergenerational Storytelling Contest from among thousands of entries. The story is called In the Garden and is about a young friend with whom Dorothy found a mutual love of the hymn “In the Garden”.
Her son, Scott, passed away in 2009 and is greeting her in heaven. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Tim) Caddell of Pinellas Park, FL, her favorite grandson, Chris (Nong) Caddell and two step-grandsons Noam and Andy.
A memorial service will be held at St. Giles Manor II located at 7690 58th Street N. in Pinellas Park on Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Girls Inc. of Pinellas, 7700 61st Street, Pinellas Park, Fl 33781. https://girlsinc-pinellas.org/donate
St. Giles Manor II
Sheryn Chambers
November 12, 2025, 6:09 pm
It was with a lot of sadness when I heard that my very good friend had passed at the facility where she had been living the last couple of months. We were great friends for 14 years. We met at the apt complex where we both lived. She was my first and best friend at the complex and we soon discovered we had many similarities between us. Through the 14 years, we hung out together enjoying our friendship at social events at our complex, our birthdays, and shopping, etc. Dorothy was my go to person so many times for so many reasons and she helped me so many times without fail. I was sad when she moved to the Lexington address, missed seeing her and chatting with her. I’m thankful she had so many greeters when she got to Heaven and I know she was very happy to see her family and all her friends. She was 100% a Godly woman. I’m greatful for knowing her and for my memories of our friendship. She will be in my thoughts forever. I miss her a lot and think about her a lot. Thank you Dorothy for all of your many prayers for me and my family. Yea, Dorothy, you are in Heaven now. Enjoy yourself and please, save a seat for me. I love you.
Hattachai (Noam) Buttayotee
November 12, 2025, 9:53 pm
Though I did not know Dorothy as much as I wished, she was a remarkably intelligent and strong woman. It is rare to find such strength and her 93 incredible year journey on this beautiful earth remains a testament to a life lived with resilience and spirit.
She lived through some of history’s most defining moments: WWII, Vietnam War, the 2008 financial crisis, and many others. Yet, she also witnessed the birth of the nuclear energy, the fall of the Soviet Union, the space race, the rise of the internet, and Artificial Intelligence. Eras that reshaped our world.
While I mourn her passing, I am even more moved to celebrate the extraordinary life she lived. Her story reminds us how vast and full life can be. I look forward to the day, in God’s kingdom, when we can share her stories once more in a different tone. Not sorrow, but in joy and gratitude for the life she lived so fully.
Sara Trautz
November 15, 2025, 2:05 pm
The previous writers have said it so well about Dorothy’s life. The two words that describe her best, I think, are strength and resilience. I have known Dorothy since the 4th grade and along with 5 other girls, weathered the rocky times of adolescence and young adulthood like sisters. Though living a long way apart, we kept in touch through the years the best we could. She shared her many talents with crafting which I treasure to this day.
She raised 2 fine children, though having to mourn one much too early.
There has to be a place in Heaven waiting for souls like Dorothy.
Love you, Dorothy….Sara