Jackson Anderson, of Prior Lake, passed away from complications of heart failure surrounded by incredible love and in the loving arms of his mother and brother on January 19, 2019 at the age of 16.
A gathering of family & friends will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM with Prayers & Reflections at 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Christian Mass is Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. A reception will follow at The Wilds Golf Club in Prior Lake.
On July 22, 2002, Dan & Maureen Anderson welcomed their son, Jackson David Anderson, into the world. Even before he was born, Jackson was a fighter. When Maureen was pregnant, they found out Jackson had a congenital heart defect, but that didn’t stop him from coming into the world with force. His parents and big brother were completely in love with him right away. He had beautiful blue eyes and the softest blond hair. From the start, Jackson looked just like his mom and was stubborn like his dad.
At just 10 days old, Jackson had his first open heart surgery. By the time he was 3 years old he had three more. This never got Jackson down. He was always a happy boy. His family quickly learned that Jackson was an old soul and had a mature wit. Jackson could always keep his dad laughing, especially at bedtime, which helped him stay up longer.
Growing up, Jackson loved tagging along with his brother, Sam. The two of them loved playing board games together, but they would make up their own rules to the games just to keep things interesting. The Andersons were really close with the Kot family. Dan & Maureen and Greg & Mary Jane loved getting their families together. Because of this, Sam & Jackson grew up with Alex & Megan. They spent countless hours together seeing movies, enjoying the lake and playing American Idol . “The Foursome” shared a lot of special times together.
Jackson loved traveling with his family. The Andersons took many trips abroad and went on several cruises together. But Jackson’s favorite destination was Duluth. He even had a tattoo of the Duluth Lift Bridge on his arm. Jackson treasured all the family trips to the North Shore. He loved being with his family, and he really invested in his relationships with aunts, uncles and cousins. All the little kids in the family loved Jackson, because he always made time for them and would even let the little girls put pony tails in his hair.
In his free time, Jackson was very active. He enjoyed downhill skiing, cheering on the Minnesota Twins, playing video games, shopping with his mom, and watching his favorite show, Friends . He could quote every line from every episode. Over the years, he played baseball, did karate and was involved in Mock Trial. Jackson was so proud to work at Edelweiss Bakery and loved talking with customers.
Jackson truly was a fighter. He had such a strong determination, but his heart just wasn’t strong enough. Jackson captured the hearts of the staff members at Children’s Hospital and Clinics in Minneapolis.
Jackson will always be remembered for his sweet personality and great sense of humor. He will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Jackson is deeply missed by his mom, Maureen Anderson; brother, Sam Anderson; many aunts & uncles, cousins, grandparents, very close friends and other loving family and friends. Jackson was greeted in Heaven by his dad, Dan Anderson. He gave his dad the most extraordinary birthday gift you could ever imagine.
