Dena Mednansky of White River, South Dakota, died on Monday, July 7, 2025 at her home near White River at the age of 57.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the Wood Community Hall in Wood, South Dakota with Pastor Linda Baldock officiating.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the Wood Community Hall.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Murdo.
Dena Rae Bruning was born to Jerry and Shirley (Dimond) Bruning September 25th, 1967 in Winner, SD. Dena attended school in Wood, SD. She played on the basketball team, participated on the cheerleading squad, and ran track. She graduated from there in May 1985.
Dena attended the Headlines Academy of Cosmetology & Massage in Rapid City, SD. She worked in salons and other odd jobs after completing her training. A few years later, Dena moved out to Whipple Camp with Justin helping him with ranch work and making a home together.
Dena and Justin Mednansky were united in marriage June 6th, 1992 in Wood, SD. From this union they had their first child Bailey Mae. A few years later, with their second child Sage Walker on the way, they moved closer to town where they resided for a decade. After that, they moved to the Big White River valley in northern Mellette county on the Mednansky ranch.
She was an avid reader, loved completing a good jigsaw puzzle, and collected glassware — especially ashtrays. Dena would read so much that she would routinely check out a garbage bag’s worth of books from the local White River Public Library. She nurtured love for reading and learning amongst her children. Dena found great joy and pride in attending her kid’s sporting events and fine arts performances.
Survivors include her mother Shirley Bruning; husband Justin; two children Bailey (Brandon) and Sage (Jordan); grandchild Sara Cryzter; siblings Shelly (Ray) Haney and Steve Bruning; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dena was preceded in death by her father Jerry.
