The swimming and cycling communities lost a remarkable athlete and beloved family man when Brandon Stephen Farnum passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 30.
Brandon Farnum built an impressive athletic career that spanned multiple sports and demonstrated his exceptional dedication to excellence.
Born on August 17, 1994, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Brandon grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, where he first discovered his love for competitive swimming and athletics.
Brandon’s athletic journey began at Red Oak High School, where he quickly established himself as a standout swimmer.
Under the guidance of coach Bruce Shomburg, he achieved remarkable success in the pool.
Brandon placed fourth in both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events at the 2013 Iowa State Meet, marking the pinnacle of his high school swimming career.
His consistent improvement showed throughout his high school years, as he finished third and tenth as a junior, and 24th and 17th as a sophomore at state competitions.
His individual excellence contributed to Red Oak’s team success, helping the school achieve an eighth-place team finish in 2013, an improvement from their ninth-place showing in 2012.
Beyond swimming, Brandon demonstrated his versatility as a multi-sport athlete by competing on the golf team for four years, where coaches recognized him as the most improved golfer in 2012.
Brandon’s talent earned him a spot on the University of Iowa swimming team, where he competed from 2013 to 2017.
His collegiate career showcased steady improvement and numerous achievements that established him as one of the program’s reliable performers.
As a finance major, Brandon balanced academic excellence with athletic pursuits, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors multiple times throughout his career.
After completing his swimming career at Iowa, Brandon channeled his competitive drive into cycling, where he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor in the enduro racing scene.
His transition to cycling demonstrated the same dedication and passion that characterized his swimming career.
Brandon became known in the Iowa Enduro Riders Association as “one bad ass fast racer” who brought intensity and skill to every competition.
Matt Copeland, who worked with Brandon at Bike Masters, witnessed firsthand the passion Brandon brought to cycling.
Copeland described how Brandon’s enthusiasm filled any room or trail he entered, making him not just a talented athlete but an inspiring presence in the cycling community.
Brandon’s involvement with the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA) showed his commitment to developing the next generation of cyclists, sharing his knowledge and passion with young athletes.
Brandon Farnum’s Death At 30 Shocks Loved Ones And Fellow Athletes
The swimming and cycling communities received devastating news on May 19, 2025, when Brandon Stephen Farnum passed away in Omaha, Nebraska, at just 30 years old.
His sudden death shocked family, friends, and fellow athletes who had watched him excel throughout his athletic career and embrace the role of devoted father and husband.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, no traditional funeral service was held for Brandon.
Instead, the family organized a visitation and prayer service to allow the community to come together in remembrance and support.
The service will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sievers-Sprick Funeral Home in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m.
The family chose to keep the inurnment private, allowing for intimate moments of farewell away from public attention.
Rather than flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made to causes that reflected Brandon’s values and priorities.
They established a college fund for his daughter Layla, ensuring that his memory would contribute to her future education and opportunities.
The family also suggested donations to the Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA), reflecting Brandon’s passion for cycling and his commitment to youth development in the sport.
These donations would help continue the work Brandon had supported during his life, introducing young people to cycling and providing them with opportunities to discover their own athletic potential.
Brandon’s death preceded him into eternity by his grandfathers, Ronald S. Farnum and Lee R. Dial, who had passed away earlier.
He left behind a loving family who continues to carry his memory forward. His wife, Brooke A. Farnum, and daughter, Layla A. Farnum, both of Omaha, represent the immediate family most deeply affected by his loss.
Brandon’s parents, Michael and Cheryl Farnum of Red Oak, Iowa, mourn the loss of a son who made them proud through his achievements and character.
His in-laws, Craig and Lori Linnenbrink of Omaha, remember him as a beloved son-in-law who brought joy to their family.
His sister, Stephanie Farnum of Red Oak, Iowa, grieves the loss of a brother who meant the world to her.
The extended family includes his sister-in-law, Amber Bummer, and her husband, Aaron, of Omaha, and his brother-in-law, Connor Linnenbrink, and his wife, Cassie, also of Omaha.
Brandon’s grandmothers, Joan Dial of Red Oak, Iowa, and Jannette Farnum, also of Red Oak, survive him, along with three nieces and one nephew who will grow up hearing stories of their uncle’s achievements and character.
Brandon Stephen Farnum’s death at age 30 represents a profound loss for everyone who knew him.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Brandon competed on the golf team for four years at Red Oak High School in addition to his swimming career.
- Brandon set a school record in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 46.81 seconds.
- According to Matt Copeland’s tribute, Brandon worked as an athlete at Bike Masters, where Copeland had the opportunity to work with him.
