Taylor Mulder

Taylor Randall Mulder was born on April 22, 1991 to Randy Alan and Marcia Elaine (Lupkes) Mulder in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The first year of Taylor’s life was spent on the family farm in rural Magnolia, Minnesota. In 1992, the family moved to rural Luverne, Minnesota.

From a young age, Taylor helped raise baby calves alongside his dad, mom, sister and Uncle Tony (who was always more like a brother). Every day at 4:00 PM, you would find them outside for chore time – bottle feeding calves and tearing around the yard on four-wheelers. Those everyday moments became Taylor’s favorite memories. He spent a lot of time on his dirt bike, often pushing the rules when his parents weren’t home. One day, he took a spill and broke his collar bone. True to his stubborn and determined nature, he finished his calf chores before his mom came home and realized what had happened.

Sports were another big part of Taylor’s childhood. Throughout the years, he played soccer, baseball, basketball, and football, but football was his true passion. He loved being part of a team and the camaraderie that came with it. He was the teammate that everyone could count on – loyal, hardworking and full of heart. He looked up to his coaches, who became his friends and mentors and could often be found challenging them to video games and bragging about his 75-yard rushing touchdown!

Taylor graduated from Luverne High School in 2010. Following graduation, he moved to Alexandria, Minnesota to attend Alexandria Technical & Community College for carpentry. He graduated in 2012 and moved back to Luverne and began working for Sasker Construction. In 2013, he began working for Schwartz Farms in the maintenance department and quickly worked his way up to be the maintenance supervisor. Taylor loved carpentry and it showed by all the work he put into remodeling his house.

Every year he looked forward to his annual four wheeling trip in September, “Bro Weekend” which happened on St. Patrick’s Day, and all of the camping weekends which originated with Grandma and Grandpa Van Whye. He enjoyed smoking meat on his pellet grill- always eager to share good food and good company. He always had a way of bringing people together, whether it was for a cookout, sitting by the campfire or playing a game of bags.

Above all else, Taylor’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted partner, father, son, brother and friend. He shared a special bond with Marissa; one built on love and a lot of laughter. Together, they raised a loving home with their three boys, Morgan, Sawyer and Jaxon. Taylor was an incredible dad who adored his boys. He enjoyed teaching Morgan to shoot and ride four-wheeler, playing catch with Sawyer and having Jaxon on his lap when he mowed.

Taylor was a member of United Methodist Church in Luverne. Taylor will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity and selfless spirit. He was always the first to lend a hand and always gave without ever expecting anything in return. His actions spoke louder than words, and he lived with an authenticity that drew people to him. He valued honesty, hard work and doing right by others. His strength, quick wit and genuine heart left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Taylor is lovingly remembered by his partner, Marissa Nelson of Luverne; three sons, Morgan, Sawyer and Jaxon; parents, Randy and Marcia of Luverne; sister, Brittany (Josh) Yamauchi of Waconia, Minnesota; paternal grandmother, Carol Van Wyhe of Luverne; nephew, Jace Yamauchi of Waconia; and niece, Aubree Yamauchi of Waconia. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfathers, Dallas Mulder and Ray Van Wyhe; and maternal grandparents, Herman and Elaine Lupkes.

Memorials may be directed to the Child's Remembrance Garden in Luverne. Simply click on the provided link to make a donation in Taylor's name: LACF Child's Remembrance Garden Donation