Ryan Eugene Engelhaupt, 50, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2025 at his home in Rapid City, SD.
He was born on March 9, 1975 in Alliance, NE to Robert “Bob” and Patricia (Brunkow) Engelhaupt. He graduated from Alliance High School in 1993. After graduating he went on to further his education at Chadron State College then to South Dakota School of Mines. He decided to make his home in Rapid City for more job opportunities. Through the years he worked various jobs in the computer industry earning many certificates. In 2017 he started working at KT Connections as a Systems Engineer. He truly loved his job and looked forward to going to work every day. He loved the different challenges, all his coworkers, and the weekends of golf.
Ryan was always trying new things and had a variety of hobbies. The last couple of years he was quite the golf enthusiast. Before golf, he tried out for ballroom dancing and discovered he had a passion and talent for it. He enjoyed learning all different types of dance. His favorite dance was Lindy Hop and even instructed a few classes. He enjoyed electronics, camping, hiking, welding, wood working, building legos, video games, magic cards, and movies with his son.
The best day of his life was April 14, 2003 when he became a father to his son Alex. Being a dad was his proudest moment.
Ryan was one of a kind. He was witty and had always had something funny to say. He had a great sense of humor and would make you laugh till it hurt. His smile and laugh were extremely contagious. He was a friend to everyone he met. If a baby was around you can bet Ryan would be holding them. He loved building legos with his nieces. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will always be remembered as a great father, a wonderful son, the funniest uncle, and the best big brother!
He is survived by his son Alex, Alex’s mom Brandi of Rapid City, SD, his father Robert”Bob” Engelhaupt, his brother Brandon of Alliance, NE, his sister Cassidy (Tim)Kramer of Minatare, NE, nieces Raylyn, Brynley, and Destinee, great niece Emery, great nephew Ronan, his beloved cat Winnie Pie, uncles Mike (Barb) Brunkow of Lincoln, NE, Tom Hart of CA, Patrick(Pat) Engelhaupt of IL, aunt, Mary(John) Hewitt of Omaha, Kelly (Mike) Fitchhorn of Omaha, cousins Mandy, Sara, Angie, Shan, Nick, Mike, Matt, Anna, and Kayla, and numerous close family friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia, grandparents David and Vivian Brunkow, grandmother Catherine Engelhaupt, grandfather Eugene Engelhaupt, his aunt Trish Engelhaupt, and his special cat Zen.
Memorial services will be on May 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance, NE. Burial will follow at Alliance Cemetery.
Family and friends are welcome to join family for lunch at the VFW.
Flowers may be sent to Bates Gould Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ryan Engelhaupt Memorial and sent to 1441 Colorado Ave, Alliance, NE 69301.