Brynn Nelson Obituary & Tribute to Her Legacy
Brynn Nelson obituary honors the life of Brynn Renee Nelson, a beloved 17-year-old from Rapid City, South Dakota, who passed away on September 11, 2024. Known for her kindness, athletic talent, and joyful spirit, Brynn made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
A Joyful Childhood Rooted in Family
Brynn was born to Brendan and Jacki Nelson, becoming what her father lovingly called “the best birthday present he’s ever received.” She grew up with her older brother Kadin and their loyal dog Penny in a home filled with laughter, encouragement, and the kind of memories that shape strong family bonds.
As a child, Brynn was quiet and observant, often letting Kadin do the talking. But her personality soon unfolded with dazzling warmth, creativity, and confidence that touched everyone she met.
Personality That Lit Up Every Room
Described by loved ones as “the life of the party,” Brynn had an energy that was both comforting and magnetic. Her sparkling blue eyes, warm smile, and genuine heart made her someone you could never forget.
Brynn’s creativity shone in the kitchen. She loved baking and decorating cakes, a tradition that became a special way to show love during birthdays, holidays, and just-because days.
A Fierce Competitor With a Gentle Soul
Brynn was a gifted and passionate athlete. She excelled in a wide range of sports—including gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, softball, archery, and track & field. Her determination and grace were evident, both in practice and on the podium.
🏆 Track & Field: A Champion in Javelin
Brynn’s athletic focus crystalized in the javelin throw, where she:
- Won the Howard Wood Relays as a freshman
- Became a two-time South Dakota state champion in javelin
- Set the state javelin record, a crowning moment in her junior year
🎯 Archery: A Family Bond
Archery wasn’t just a sport, it was a shared passion with her dad, brother, and Coach Larry. Competing together at state and national levels, it became a symbol of connection, discipline, and family pride.
Loved by Her Community
More than all she accomplished, Brynn’s greatest gift was her loving heart. She was a loyal friend, a positive teammate, and someone who genuinely cared about others’ well-being.
After her passing, USA Softball South Dakota honored her with a touching “Safe at Home” tribute, acknowledging the love she brought to teammates, coaches, and fans across the region.
At Rapid City Stevens Track & Field, her teammates wore wristbands inscribed “Strong Alone, Unstoppable Together,” and continued to compete in her honor.
Her Final Goodbye
On September 11, 2024, Brynn’s passing came far too soon. Her Celebration of Life was held on September 17, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City.
Guests were encouraged to wear bright and colorful clothing—not black—because Brynn had always brought color and light wherever she went.
She was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery, surrounded by loved ones and a community forever changed by her life.
Cherished by Family
Brynn is survived by her parents, Brendan and Jacki Nelson; her brother, Kadin; and her loyal dog, Penny.
She is also remembered by her grandparents: Dean and Karen Nelson, Becky McQuistion, Doug and Wanda Pol; and her great-grandmother, Reta Nelson. Brynn leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives were made better just by knowing her.
She was welcomed into peace by her great-grandparents and her cousin, Hudson Vanderwerff, who passed before her.
The Brynn Nelson Memorial Fund
In her honor, the Brynn Nelson Memorial Fund was established to support South Dakota’s girls javelin state champion each year. The scholarship ensures that young women in athletics receive both recognition and opportunity—just as Brynn would have wanted.
Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and matched at a 4:1 ratio, meaning each contribution has multiplied impact.
Learn more or contribute at: brynnnelsonmemorialfund.org
How to Honor Brynn’s Spirit
Here are a few ways you can carry Brynn’s light forward:
- 🌈 Wear bright colors on special days in her memory
- 💬 Leave a message in her online guestbook through Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home
- 🎯 Support local girls’ athletics, especially track, field, softball, and archery
- 🌱 Plant a tree or flowers in her name
- 🎁 Contribute to the Memorial Fund that carries her legacy
What Brynn’s Life Teaches Us
In just 17 years, Brynn taught us powerful lessons:
- Love deeply and live fully
- Compete with courage and humility
- Celebrate others as much as yourself
- Be present, it’s where the magic is
She showed us that you don’t need a long life to live a meaningful one.
Closing Reflection
Brynn Renee Nelson was more than an athlete. Brynn was a beloved daughter, a caring sister, a loyal friend, and a beautiful example of strength and kindness. She chased joy, championed others, and inspired everyone she met.
Her story now lives in every scholarship awarded, every javelin thrown, every kind word spoken in her name. May we carry forward the same light and joy that Brynn shared with everyone around her.
