Ken was born and raised on a farm north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Sioux Falls College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1963. Later, Mr. Youel completed graduate work at Drake University, Colorado State University, and the University of Iowa, where he received a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education in 1996. Ken was employed as a full time high school mathematics teacher for 38 years at Linn Mar High School, in Marion, Iowa, where he coached girls varsity basketball for 26 years and girls varsity tennis for 12 years. Mr. Youel also taught for 16 years as an adjunct faculty member at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Prior to joining SVCC, Ken was a member of the adjunct faculty at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, where he taught mathematics.

Mr. Youel and his wife, Berni, have been married for 44 years and have three daughters, a son, and eight grandchildren. Ken is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and enjoys music and singing in choirs. He also likes wood working, quilting, carpentry, camping, horses, tennis, and golf.