Obituary of Tyler A.J. Rabbass

Tyler A.J. Rabbass, age 21, of Yankton, passed away of natural causes on Sunday March 16, 2014 at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD with his family at his side. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Monday, March 24, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yankton, with Rev. Dave Gunderson and Rev. Steve Weispfennig officiating. Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Visitations will begin at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 23, 2014 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a Scripture service at 7:00 PM. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Tyler was born on October 27, 1992 in Norfolk, NE to Jason and Tammy Rabbass (Lewis) and later baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE. Tyler attended Preschool at Lollipop Lane, Stewart School and proudly graduated from Yankton High School in May of 2012. Tyler resided at home with his parents and little brother, JaCobi and was a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church. He was employed at Burger King and McDonalds in Yankton, and currently employed at Ability Building Services (ABS) in Yankton where Tyler was surrounded with many friends and co-workers he enjoyed working with. Tyler was very active in Special Olympics where he proudly received several medals for achievements in softball, basketball, track, and bowling. Tyler was a loyal and dedicated Yankton Bucks and Husker fan. Every Friday night home game in the fall for the last 14 years, Tyler could be seen at the top of the handicap ramp at Yankton's Crane Youngworth Field rooting for his beloved Bucks! Tyler's passions included: swinging in the back yard and listening to music, all the while singing every word for anyone who wanted to hear, as well as making sure he made it to the afternoon matinee at the local theatre with his family every Saturday. Tyler also enjoyed weekend cruises with big brother, Jourdan and playing video games with little brother, JaCobi. Tyler found great joy in the simple things in life like spending the night in hotels, watching movies while enjoying Reeses Pieces and M&M's. Tyler was never treated differently just because of his disability; he had a chance to enjoy all the little things in life, including his first kiss, prom, graduation, first beer, and having a job. Tyler had a gift and touched so many lives in his 21 years and after his passing, he continues to give the gift of life through organ donation. Tyler is survived by his parents, Jason and Tammy Rabbass (Lewis); brothers, Jourdan Rabbass and fiance Lindsey Kuehler and JaCobi Rabbass; beloved dogs: Loki, Fender, and Cotton, all of Yankton; cousin, Teri Lewis of Portland, OR; Katlynn Pendergast of Sherwood, OR; grandparents, Gary and Kate Rabbass of Norfolk, NE and Gary and Mary Lewis of Yankton, SD; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Tammy and Jason Rabbass, 607 E. 17th Street, Yankton, SD 57078.