Mackenzie Kopecky

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Mackenzie “Kenzie” Kopecky, 20, of Miller, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Though her time here was far too short, Kenzie’s radiant smile, kind heart, and vibrant spirit left an everlasting mark on all who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Mackenzie’s life will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Miller School Armory with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. The family will be present beginning at 9:30 a.m. to greet guests. A luncheon will follow the service. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Kenzie’s remarkable life, her strength, and the love she shared so freely. Please feel free to wear racing shirts or your Kenzie’s Krew attire.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations are appreciated to help defray costs.

Kenzie was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on July 29, 2005, to Brad and Heather (Muth) Kopecky. When she was five years old, her family moved to her dad’s hometown of Miller, where she grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and a strong sense of community. She graduated from Miller High School and was attending Lake Area Technical College, pursuing a degree in accounting—following proudly in her mom’s footsteps. During this time, she worked for KBA accounting, made pizzas at the Lunchbox, and served ice cream at The Take Out.

She was the best big sister Madison and Molli could ask for. She acted like a second mom, most of the time that was a good thing, but there were sometimes when she was too strict and loud. The bond they shared was stronger than ever and remains unbreakable.  She was also a great dog “mom” to her black golden doodle Milo, that she purchased from a prior cancer auction benefit for another community member.

In high school, Kenzie’s love for volleyball shone brightly. She not only enjoyed playing volleyball but also shared her passion by coaching a team of younger girls. With her big heart and encouraging spirit, she inspired her players both on and off the court, teaching them the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and joy in the game.  She also found a passion for golf.  With a small roster, they bonded deeply, and she was the big sister and the calm in the chaos. This tight group went to state all three years.  You could also find her playing her trumpet in band and at games, and jazz band, and she even had the courage to play a couple solos.  Kenzie was also active in dance, cheer, softball, chorus, basketball stating, and youth group.

Kenzie’s other great love was racing—a passion that ran deep in her family. Growing up around the track with her dad racing and both grandfathers having raced, as well as uncles and cousins, she was destined to race herself. Competitive, determined, and fearless, Kenzie even earned a feature win—a night her family and friends will never forget. Racing wasn’t just a hobby for her; it was part of who she was. She made many close friends while traveling with her parents and sisters, to countless racetracks, cheering, competing, and making memories that will last forever.  The racing community is a true racing family.

As fate would have it, racing also brought Kenzie her best friend, Wyatt. What started as friendly competition on the track blossomed into a beautiful relationship off the track. They raced each other, supported one another, she even ground his tires, and was his crew chief when they traveled out of town.  They shared a love as genuine and strong as Kenzie’s spirit.

Those blessed to have shared their lives with Kenzie include her loving parents, Brad and Heather; her sisters, Madison and Molli; grandparents Ron and Connie Muth of Wolsey, and Deb and Terry Kopecky of Miller; great-grandmothers Luella Longcor of Huron and Marene Pratt of Miller; her boyfriend, Wyatt Schweigert of Huron; aunts and uncles Andi and Arlen Ferguson of Wolsey, Rhonda and Mike Hasart of Huron, Steph and Nick Wranek of Tea; and cousins, and dear friends.

Welcoming her home in Heaven are her great-grandparents, Martin and Darlene Muth, Arlo Longcor, Donald Pratt, Lamont and Betty Kopecky, and her beloved cousins, Kaiti LaVoy and Ryan Ryckman

Kenzie’s smile could light up even on the darkest day, and her compassion for others was unmatched. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mackenzie’s arrangements.