Aberdeen Mayor Shares 'Beautiful Dedication' in Honor of His Son

The next time you drive a bridge over Mina Lake in Edmunds County, you'll see a "tear-filled but beautiful dedication" to a young Aberdeen, South Dakota boy.

This past August, Aberdeen, South Dakota Mayor Travis Schaunaman and his two children were involved in a paragliding accident. As a result, Mayor Travis and his 10-year-old daughter suffered "serious but non-life-threatening injuries." 8-year-old son Emerson Schaunaman tragically passed away.

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Mayor Travis Schaunaman shared in a heartfelt Facebook post that Mina Lake was one of Emerson's favorite places. Naturally, it's fitting to have this bridge dedicated to his memory.

He loved spending time on Mina Lake and after the fireworks celebration was part of a small crew that cleaned up the debris off the bridge. Thank you to the Edmunds County Commission and Auditor Dionne Olson for the tribute to Emerson.

Mayor Schaunaman explains the idea came from Michelle Molitor.

Michelle Molitor even wrote a touching homage to Emerson that Mayor Travis shared at the dedication ceremony:

"As we walked along the bridge gathering trash, Emerson beamed with pride over every small find—a lost bracelet, a fishing jig, an unopened bag of chips. But what touched me most was his heart. He spoke so genuinely about wanting to help people, sharing that he wanted to serve his community every day, just like his Dad does. In that simple act of civic pride, Emerson showed a quiet generosity and love for his community far beyond his years."

To Mayor Travis and his family...the people in Sioux Falls and surrounding cities send our heartfelt condolences and prayers. Emerson Schaunaman will never be forgotten in Edmunds County and beyond the Sioux Empire. He is forever part of Mina Lake.

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Source: Aberdeen Mayor Shares ‘Beautiful Dedication’ in Honor of His Son