Nicholas Van Dam

Nicholas Patrick Van Dam, 37, of Murdo, SD, passed away tragically on Saturday, July 26, 2025, doing what he loved-serving as a firefighter-while responding to a local grass fire.

Born on November 3, 1987, in Pierre, SD, Nick was the beloved son of Terry and Gayle (Thompson) Van Dam. He spent his early years in Eagle Butte and Faith, SD, before moving to Murdo in 1999. Nick was an active participant in school sports, excelling in basketball, football, and track at Jones County High School, where he graduated in 2006.

After high school, Nick pursued his passion for automotive technology at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, graduating at the top of his class. He returned to Murdo and became the service and shop manager at Murdo Car Sales, a role he took great pride in. Beyond his mechanical talents, Nick was dedicated to his community, generously offering his expertise to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. He became a certified firefighter with the Murdo Volunteer Fire Department and was serving as captain at the time of his passing. His commitment to helping others and his unwavering courage will be remembered by all who knew him.

On July 23, 2013, Nick earned his most cherished title as DAD with the birth of Max Charles. A few years later, Nick married his soulmate Shannon on October 22, 2016; through this union gave Nick the opportunity to show how truly great he was as a father with the unconditional love he was able to show to his two bonus children Natalie Ann and Hayzen Daniel. Nolan Myron completed this blended family on March 26, 2019. Nick's family was the heart of his world. He was an incredible father and husband. He was not only a loving partner but also an exceptional role model for their children. Nick's devotion to his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He always went above and beyond to ensure that everyone in the family felt cherished and supported. Whether it was helping with homework, attending school events, weekly game night at home with his wife and kids, or the memorable vacations they took together, he truly made every moment count. He will always be remembered as a pillar of strength and love, someone who made their family whole.

Nick's most unforgettable trait was his infectious smile and resonant laugh, capable of brightening any room and warming the coldest of days. His sense of humor and warm-hearted nature brought immense joy and laughter into everyone's lives. Nick had a unique talent for making everyone feel special and important, always offering a listening ear and wise advice. As an avid outdoorsman, he found great joy in taking his children hunting, fishing, to sporting events, golfing, and loved dancing any chance he could get. Nick was a man who could achieve anything he set his mind to.

Nick's spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives of those he cherished most, his wife, Shannon, and his children, Nolan, Max, Hayzen and Natalie. He is also survived by his father Terry (Tammy), his siblings Travis Van Dam, Katie (Ben) Kreklow, Kayla (Steven) O'Dell and Cole (Holly) Venard, and his grandmother, Margaret Thompson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle Van Dam, and his grandparents, Carv Thompson, and Charles and Marilyn Van Dam.

Nick's legacy as a devoted father, loving husband, son, brother, and cherished friend will forever remain in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Murdo City Cemetery.

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