Trevor Zuehlke was an inspiration to many.
His story touched those not only in Britton and the immediate areas, but far beyond South Dakota and even the Midwest.
After he suffered a traumatic brain injury during a football game in 2019, Trevor, his family, and his team of helpers went on to do amazing things and create a platform that would inspire and help many. The family formed the Pass It On #For Trevor Foundation.
Over the years, the organization would work to benefit many, especially youth throughout the area. The foundation sponsored and organized athletic camps, it provided basketballs and sports equipment to youth, it gifted books to school children, contributed to new playground equipment and helped in many other areas.
Beyond his foundation, Trevor’s story had a wide reaching impact as many in his community and far beyond found hope and inspiration in it.
Last week, at age 21, Trevor passed away after suffering a massive seizure. On his Caring Bridge page, his family shared that Trevor “Passed On to Heaven [Thursday] morning after nearly five years of numerous struggles and battles….he was surrounded by many loving family and friends.”
Though Trevor is gone, his special legacy will live on as will memories of the inspirational life he led.
In the hours and days after his passing, social media and the Caring Bridge site was flooded with hundreds of messages dedicated to Trevor from not only those acquainted with him and his family but from people all over the state and country. While it is impossible to share them all, here is a very small sample (some edited for length):
“I am a better person for knowing and having the honor to teach Trevor.”
“The impact Trevor has left on so many cannot even be described into words.”
“There was no one, absolutely no one like Trevor Zuehlke. Thank you for being who you were. We will miss you.”
“I did not know Trevor as well as so many in our communities did. What I did know and see was an energetic kind and friendly young man who always had a smile and a “hi” as though you’d never met a stranger.”
“Trev, I’m so lucky I got to know you and your family. We’re all very proud of you. You are an inspiration to so many. Love you always.”
“Trevor, you made such an impact on not just my life, but so many others. We will miss you, but what you stood for, will continue to live on in our hearts, and will continue to make an impact on your community for generations to come."
“To know Trevor was to know greatness. There was no way he was not going to do big things in life - and he did. Not in the way any of us anticipated, but God makes His own plans. I have no doubt that in death he will continue to do great things.”
“You have touched more lives in your short time on this earth than most people will in a lifetime Trevor Zuehlke! You were a wonderful human being and you have definitely left your mark.”
“The ache in our hearts exists because love came first. I am honored to have been influenced by your love and compassion and work ethic.”
“Not a day goes by without Trevor impacting me and my family in some way. You are the type of young man I truly want my boys to emulate someday. You were so kind. You were so determined. You were such a hard worker. You were a great leader.”
“We prayed and prayed for a miracle here on Earth. Maybe that miracle was your family, friends, and community getting to love you four years longer, or all the people your story touched so deeply, or all the people you brought together, or all the moms & dads who now hold their babies even closer. The miracles were there. The best miracle of all, though, is the gift of eternal life in heaven and knowing that #10 is now running plays with Jesus.”
Memorials for Trevor may be made to Pass It On #ForTrevor – Norstar Credit Union – P.O. Box 917 – Britton, SD 57430.
