Braden Dean Gilchrist was born November 7, 2000, in Mitchell, SD to Angela (Madsen) Gilchrist and Curtis Gilchrist. Braden was resilient, even so, after many years of battling, his struggle with depression ended September 22, 2022. He spent his early years in Huron, SD until his family relocated to the Gordon-Rushville area in Sheridan County, NE in 2005. He attended school in the G/R school district and ended up testing out of his senior year, graduating with his GED diploma ahead of his class in February 2019. He started working beside his dad doing general carpentry and home improvement, where he gained many skills. That fall he studied music at Chadron State College where he met the love of his life, Makayla. He then spent a year living with his grandma Judy in Hot Springs, South Dakota while working at Lynn’s Dakotamart. Braden moved back to Clinton and Nick and Cory taught him to drive semi, hauling manure with the guys for Vincent Feedlot Services. He was very proud and excited to drive those semis.

Braden had spent the past four summers working beside his mom, Nick, and his brothers at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Bike Rally. During this time many memories were made and he developed several lifelong friendships.

From a very young age Braden has loved hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors in general. He spent many hours with his friends and family at “Granny’s Place” south of Rushville on the Niobrara River. Braden also spent countless hours gaming with his friends and family, including video games, board games, or shooting hoops. He could spend hours talking about football and basketball, his two favorite sports. Some of his proudest achievements were when he’d beat his dad at a game of darts. Braden had a passion for music, whether that meant singing, playing his bass guitars, or just cruising the backroads with the radio blasting.

Those who knew Braden were truly blessed.

Braden is survived by his mother Angela of Clinton, dad Curt of Rushville, Nebraska, father-figure Nick Watson (and his daughters Jessica Watson and Donna Till) of Clinton, Sister: Shaina (Jake) Williamson of Sturgis, SD; Brothers Logan Gilchrist of Des Moines, IA, and Kayden Gilchrist of Rushville, NE, Grandmothers Judy Madsen of Hot Springs, SD and Diana (Steve) Knipfer of Wessington Springs, SD, special friend Makayla Denbo of Ogallala, NE), Uncles Les (Toni) Madsen of Hot Springs, SD, Neal Ibis of Gordon, NE, Terry Gilchrist of Springfield, SD; Aunt Mickie Ibis of Murdo, SD, numerous cousins and friends he considered family, and his beloved puppy Kova.

He was preceded in death by his grandpas Dewey Madsen and Richard Gilchrist, great-uncle Larry Olsen, and special cousin McKenzie Stilwell.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 1, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.