Natalie Rupnow

Natalie Lynn Rupnow, “Sam”, age 15, passed tragically on Monday, December 16, 2024. Natalie was born November 7, 2009 in Madison, Wisconsin to Jeff and Mellissa Rupnow.

While we condemn Natalie’s actions on December 16, 2024, and mourn those lives lost, and those harmed by her actions, we, as her parents will always love her and she will always have a very special place in our hearts. We deeply mourn her death.

Natalie was a very energetic, caring, exploring, and artistic child. Natalie would hold the door until everyone got through. We could be 200 feet into the store before realizing she was still holding the door for others. Natalie never passed on going to camp. Just to go out for a hike or to help with an event because of her love for nature and being outdoors. She always enjoyed taking day trips to experience new things. One of our last day trips was to the EAA convention in Oshkosh. At the EAA convention I could just see the wheels turning in her head. That would explain her love for Lego. She was in love with all of the car Lego sets because she also had a love for speed. Natalie would be in the car with her dad, and she’d say “Go Dad,” and without hesitation dad would launch off the line. Natalie received her Red Belt in karate years ago and was talking about going back to get her Black Belt. She was very determined to achieve it. A couple of years ago Natalie, no money, and no way to buy presents, she drew both her parents a gift. Natalie was an amazing sketch artist. If she could see it, she could draw it.

Less known was that Natalie chose Abundant Life Christian School and was very excited to attend. Natalie spent the summer studying so that she could be accepted to the school as she initially failed the entrance exam. She worked extremely hard to pass the test and was so proud of herself after doing so. We, too, were very proud of her efforts and success. Once she got in she was excited for all of the new opportunities. The first day of school, she arrived early and sent me, her dad, a sketch of a bird she drew while waiting for school to start. Natalie joined the drama club and was part of the fall play, “Tarique’s Story.” Natalie also attended Prom at Abundant Life Christian School, and she started joining the neighborhood gatherings with her father. She also enjoyed ushering at her father’s church with him. Natalie was just opening up to life before she left us.

Natalie is survived by her parents, Jeff and Mellissa, her dog Whiskey, as well as many, many family members, from Grandparents to Cousins and many in-between. Natalie was laid to rest on Friday, December 20 with her family present. Natalie was joined in death by her childhood dog, Gambit on May 23, 2025.

Natalie’s Celebration of Life has been postponed. Rescheduling information will be provided as soon as possible.

Ephesians 2:8-10

-Love You Kiddo