Nolan Brandenburg

Nolan Scott Brandenburg was born in Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI, on November 7, 2002. Nolan died by suicide on November 1, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with depression. Nolan’s pain became unbearable, and the courage to continue their battle was no longer enough.

Nolan lived in Oregon, WI; Madison, WI; and the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, but their true home was wherever their friends and family were. Nolan graduated from Minnetonka High School in June of 2021. As a child, Nolan was involved with theater, dance, and writing. Nolan loved MAC, coming in with a total count of countless lipsticks, 32 that have been found. Nolan loved more than anything to be snuggled up with their Mama Bear. Watching a good scary movie with their dad and brother was a favorite pastime. Long road trips with their stepfather created memories that they will never forget, and designing interior spaces and putting together outfits with the input and advice of their stepmother occurred often. While Nolan loved the aesthetics of the outdoors, when it came to fishing, Nolan spent most of their time picking grass and getting chased by geese and was apt to get a tan (or burn) on a sunny day. A good photoshoot with friends and a pristine background was never far from the mind and action of Nolan. A Swiftie at heart, Nolan also jammed to Fleetwood Mac, grooved to ABBA, vibed with Sublime, and allowed themselves to feel their emotions to Lana del Rey. Nolan pursued their passion of fashion and beauty as a Sales Associate at Bath and Body Works. Nolan was a well loved team member at Mall of America and West Towne Mall.

Nolan was involved in various informal mental health support circles by virtue of those they met along their journey in receiving help themselves. If anything can be said that encapsulates who Nolan was, it’s that they were one of the most empathetic people this world has known. They were a master at using humor to make light of dark situations in the pursuit of helping others..... or getting a playful jab back at their brother. In many ways, Nolan was too smart for their own good, but when applied to the things Nolan loved and was interested in, excelled themselves and encouraged others with similar interests. Nolan was a lover of music, singing, and dancing; an absolute fashion icon who took pride in their hair styling and make-up abilities; a city dweller with a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature; and an amazing, delightful friend to all those they met. Most of all, Nolan was a dreamer with an imagination that knew no bounds. From the moment they became conscious, they were telling fantastic stories, playing pretend, and looking for the things in life that were beautiful.

Nolan is survived by Amy Jo Hunt, mother; Scott Brandenburg, father; Tom Hunt, stepfather; Jill Jones-Larson, stepmother; Trey Brandenburg, older brother; Amber Hunt, older step-sister; Kelsea Hunt, older step-sister; Sam Larson, older step-brother; Mia Larson, younger step-sister; Ben Larson, younger step-brother; Rue Larson, younger step-brother; numerous extended family; and countless friends that loved Nolan.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 4:00 pm. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00 pm until the time of the service. A snack reception will be held afterward, beginning at 5:00 pm.

The family asks that we grieve together, love each other, and celebrate Nolan’s life in unity on the day that would have been Nolan’s 20th birthday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a mental health and/or LGBTQ+ advocacy charity of your choice. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness, but rather the bravest thing you can do for yourself and for others.

Nolan’s beautiful smile, baby blue eyes, contagious laugh, and long hugs will be missed by us all.

“Though you had to let go of this world to find peace, we hold on to your memory in our hearts, so you may live forever.”

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

6021 University Avenue

(608) 238-8406