Emma Brungardt Obituary: Tragic Death of Blue Rapids, Kansas Native and Colby CC Rodeo Student, Sister of the Late Joseph Brungardt, After Fatal Accident on October 5th, 2024, Leaving Behind a Heartbroken Family and Community
The tragic death of Emma Brungardt, a beloved young woman from Blue Rapids, Kansas, has left an entire community grappling with unimaginable grief and heartbreak. Emma passed away on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the age of 19, following a devastating car accident that has left her family, friends, and the Colby Community College Rodeo team in shock. The news of her passing was made public through a heartbreaking announcement: “This is Emma Brungardt. She is from Blue Rapids, Kansas, and is majoring in equine management and production. Emma competes in goat tying, breakaway, and team roping. Last night, she, along with four other team members and our work-study, were involved in a car accident.” This single statement, while simple, conveys the gravity of the tragedy and the deep sorrow that now surrounds the loss of a vibrant, passionate, and deeply loved young woman.
Emma Brungardt was much more than a rodeo student; she was a bright and determined young woman whose love for animals and zest for life radiated to all who knew her. Born on August 10th, 2005, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Emma was the cherished daughter of Michael and Holly Brungardt, who nurtured her passion for animals from an early age. Growing up on the family farm, Emma’s days were filled with caring for goats, chickens, and her beloved bottle calf, Clover, a bond that would eventually spark her deep love for horses and rodeo. Her family and friends recall her as a person who always put others first, demonstrating a maturity and kindness far beyond her years. Emma’s love for her family, her faith, and her animals were the cornerstones of her life, and she approached each of these with unwavering dedication.
A graduate of Valley Heights High School in 2023, Emma was known for her vivacious spirit, academic achievements, and love for the rodeo. She was a natural leader, both in and out of the classroom, and was deeply respected by her teachers, peers, and coaches alike. During her time at Valley Heights, Emma’s involvement in 4-H helped her develop the skills and passion that would drive her future career. It was during this time that Emma’s love for horses truly blossomed. She participated in the Wild Horse Mustang Challenge, a competition that involved training a wild mustang within a short period of time. Emma’s natural talent for horse training was apparent from the start, and she went on to win Grand Champion in 2019 and 2021, while also competing in 2022. These experiences not only showcased her remarkable skill but also further fueled her dream of pursuing a career in equine management and production.
After graduating high school, Emma’s dreams led her to Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, where she majored in Equine Management and Production. At Colby, she became an integral part of the rodeo team, competing in goat tying, breakaway, and team roping. Her teammates and coaches describe Emma as a dedicated and hardworking athlete, always willing to help others and bring a positive energy to every practice and competition. Her commitment to rodeo was evident in every aspect of her life, and she was known for pushing herself to improve, while also offering guidance and support to her fellow teammates. Her love for rodeo was not just a hobby; it was a way of life for Emma, one that she embraced fully with every fiber of her being.
Faith was also an important part of Emma’s life. She was a dedicated member of The Cowboy Country Church, located near Wamego, Kansas, where she found solace and inspiration through her relationship with Christ. Pastor J Marc Williams, who led the congregation, remembers Emma as a young woman of deep faith and kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her involvement in the church community helped shape the generous and caring nature she displayed throughout her life. Whether through her acts of service or her quiet words of encouragement, Emma’s faith was a guiding force that influenced every decision she made, and she remained deeply committed to living out her Christian values.
The Brungardt family, who are now left to mourn the loss of their beloved daughter, sister, and partner, are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the community. Emma’s parents, Michael and Holly, are devastated by the loss of their youngest daughter, whose bright future was filled with so much promise. Her siblings—Elizabeth, Heather, William, Sophie, and Anna—are struggling to comprehend life without their beloved sister, who was always there to offer a kind word or a listening ear. Emma’s death comes just a few years after the tragic loss of her brother, Joseph Brungardt, a heartbreak the family had only begun to heal from. Now, with Emma’s passing, the Brungardt family is faced with yet another unimaginable tragedy, and the community is rallying around them in their time of need.
Emma is also survived by her loving partner, Wesley King, who shared a deep and meaningful relationship with her. Together, they built a partnership based on trust, respect, and mutual love, filled with dreams for the future. Wesley is heartbroken by the loss of Emma, who brought so much joy, laughter, and light into his life. Their relationship, while tragically cut short, was one that exemplified true love and commitment, and the memories they shared will forever hold a special place in Wesley’s heart. The loss of Emma is felt deeply by all who knew her, but none more so than by those who shared their daily lives with her, building bonds of love and friendship that will now live on through memories.
Emma’s funeral service is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, at the Blue Rapids School gymnasium. Family, friends, and community members will come together to honor her life and the legacy she leaves behind. The family will receive visitors at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville on Friday, October 11th, with visitation hours from 4-8 p.m. Her burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her brother, Joseph. The funeral service will be a time of deep mourning but also a celebration of the vibrant, beautiful life that Emma lived—a life filled with love, faith, and an unrelenting passion for everything she held dear.
The loss of Emma Brungardt is not only a personal tragedy for her family but also a profound loss for the entire Blue Rapids and Colby communities. Emma was a shining star, someone who brought joy and kindness into every room she entered. Her energy and spirit were contagious, and her dedication to her family, friends, faith, and rodeo was inspiring to all who knew her. As the community comes to terms with her passing, they are left with memories of a young woman who lived her life with a purpose and a passion that few can match. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved her, and her impact on the world around her will never be forgotten.
As the days and weeks pass, the memory of Emma’s bright smile, her laugh, and her love for life will remain etched in the minds of all who knew her. Her loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with those we love. The Brungardt family is left to navigate the immense pain of losing not one, but two children in the span of just a few short years. Yet, they are comforted by the knowledge that Emma and Joseph are now together once again, watching over their family with love and protection from above.
Though Emma’s life was tragically cut short, her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with the same passion and dedication that she demonstrated in every aspect of her life. Emma Brungardt’s passing is a heartbreaking loss, but her spirit and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Her family, friends, teammates, and community members will forever remember her as a bright and shining light, a young woman whose love for life was unmatched, and whose impact on the world will never be forgotten.
