Marathon Runner Ashton Nanninga, 28, Died, Leaving Boyfriend and Parents Rod and Tara Heartbroken!

Ashton Nanninga had delved into entrepreneurial world with her cottage bakery "Cake 'n Crumb."

June 27, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on June 27, 2026

Ashton Marie Nanninga, a beloved marathon runner and entrepreneur of Nebraska City, took her last breath on June 25, 2026, at the age of 28.

An avid marathon runner, Ashton trained rigorously and competed in races, embodying discipline and resilience.

Her love for running was rivaled only by her devotion to her dog, Winnie, and her active involvement in community organizations, including PEO, Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and youth coaching.

It was Ashton’s passion for running, her creative spirit, and her dedication to family and community that showcased her personality and made a mark on those who knew her.

Ashton Nanninga is survived by her boyfriend, ; her parents, Rod and Tara Nanninga; her brother, Grant Nanninga; his wife, Claire; and her sister, Lauren Nanninga.

Ashton Nanninga with her boyfriend, Kyle Ryan. (Image Source: )

Following her sudden passing, her sister Lauren Nanninga, an associate director at Salt Company UCF, updated her Facebook profile picture to feature Ashton Nanninga, writing:

I love you. I miss you, ash.

Whereas neither her parents nor her brother , a contractor at Nanninga Construction, has broken their silence on Ashton’s sudden demise.

Likewise, she also leaves behind her maternal grandmother, Judy Stukenholtz, and paternal grandfather, Chuck Nanninga, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The marathon runner Nanninga was preceded in passing by her maternal grandfather, John Stukenholtz, paternal grandmother, Carol Jean Nanninga, and cousins Dawn Stukenholtz and Gabriel Showalter.

Born on May 13, 1997, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Rod Aaron and Tara Kaye (Stukenholtz) Nanninga, Ashton grew up in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Ashton Nanninga (Left) with her parents and siblings. (Image Source: )

She graduated from Humboldt/ Table Rock/ Steinauer (HTRS) High School in 2015 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism/Media Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2019.

Ashton’s professional journey showcased her ambitious personality and capabilities.

She held roles ranging from a Thompson Learning Community Office Assistant and Academic Leader at UNO to a barista at Starbucks, a Specials Receiving Analyst at Midwest Laboratories, and an Editorial Intern at Omaha Magazine.

Most recently, Ashton Nanninga served as a Marketing Manager, Marketing Specialist, and Inside Sales Representative at Financial Transmission Network, Inc. (FTNI) after moving to Nebraska City in 2026 to be closer to family.

Her athletic dedication matched her entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond her professional achievements, Ashton found true joy in her cottage bakery, Cake ‘n Crumb, where she designed and created specialty cakes.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ashton’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2026, at Calvary Community Church in Nebraska City, with Pastors Chris Hanley and Daniel Evertson officiating.

During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Ashton Nanninga’s parents, brother, friends, and extended family.

Rest Easy, Ashton Nanninga!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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