Stacey Johnson, a senior at BPHS and one of Ressler’s many friends, said Ressler always brightened her day. She said they always joked about getting married and living in Ressler’s parents’ guest room.

“He would always make you laugh,” Johnson said. “He never was sad. He always was happy and a go-getter.”

Ninth grader Victor Peterson said he and Ressler used to drive around the golf course in golf carts trying to make each other fall off.

“He always made jokes and never was too serious,” Peterson said. “He is probably the most liked person in the school. I don’t know anybody that’s a better person.”

Blooming Prairie Schools Superintendent Barry Olson said Ressler’s death is a “terrific loss.” Olson said surrounding school districts have been supportive and offered assistance and advice as needed.

“Our community and our clergy and our families need to be commended for their tremendous outpouring and caring,” Olson said. “I think that is what needs to come out of this. We have done a great job of taking care of each other.”

Ressler’s golf coach and teacher, Erik Vigeland, echoed Olson’s sentiments.

“We are that little community where ‘everyone does know each other,’” Vigeland said. “But the difference itself is Jordan and the fact that he wasn’t limited to one core group of friends but to everyone, and in a small town community that does bring everyone closer together.”

Vigeland said Ressler’s presence on the golf team and in class will be missed.

“He was my number one golfer,” Vigeland said. “And his intelligence has kind of been lost in this. He’s an unbelievably smart kid.”

School staff and clergy have been available throughout the weekend and Monday at BPHS, and school counselor Mary Worke said grieving counselors will be available as needed in the coming days and weeks if students feel they need to talk with someone as they process the tragedy.

BPHS staff also hung large sheets of paper on the school commons’ walls and on Ressler’s locker so students and community members can pay tribute to Ressler by writing a note. A memory jar was also available Monday at the high school in which students could place notes or written memories of Ressler.

Students and staff are paying tribute to Ressler by wearing Texas Longhorns — according to Bruns, Ressler’s trademark — paraphernalia at school on Tuesday.

Blooming Prairie schools will have a half-day on Wednesday so that staff and students may attend the funeral — 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie — as they so choose. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m.

Read Jordan Ressler’s obituary

See Jordan Ressler’s Facebook Tribute Page