Mitchell "Mitch" Anderson

Mitchell "Mitch" Anderson

January 24, 1987 - June 17, 2025

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Obituary

Madison - Mitchell Scott Anderson, age 38, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home in Madison with his dog, Luna, by his side. He was born on January 24, 1987, in Madison, Wis., the son of Thomas and Jean (Leonhardt) Anderson.


Mitchell graduated from Madison East High School in 2005 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison. While attending UW, he was a member of the UW Marching Band, playing the tuba (Eat a Rock!). Following college, Mitch enjoyed 15 years of working as a paraprofessional with kids in various settings, where he was known as “Mr. Mitch.” His patience and dedication to his students was second to none and often included maintaining relationships with the kids and their families outside of the classroom.


Mitch was known for his kindness, generosity, consideration and sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking and liked to try new recipes, usually to share with others. He was a connoisseur of Reuben sandwiches and Old Fashioneds. He stayed active with long walks, yoga and canoeing.Favorite trips included traveling to the Boundary Waters, Germany and New Zealand with his sister, Holly.  Mitch loved Lord of Rings and cherished his trip to Hobbiton in New Zealand. He was also a Harry Potter and Star Wars fan.  While he loved all animals, the last three years with his dog, Luna - who he spoiled endlessly - held a special place in his heart and life.


Mitchell is survived by his parents, father, Thomas (Lori), and mother, Jean (Mark); sister, Holly (Andy) Anderson; uncles, Gary (Beverly) Anderson, Gary (Anna) Looper and Tom (Reneé) Leonhardt; aunt, Judy (Paul) Zoch; cousins, Kurt (Trish) Roman, Mark (Suzi) Roman, Emma Zoch, Kurt (Mariah) Zoch, Grant (Ellen) Zoch, Kyle Leonhardt and Jake Leonhardt; dear friends, Jake and Greta McClanahan; and his beloved dog, Luna, and cat, Dazi. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald and Pamela Anderson and Walter and Sarah Leonhardt.


A celebration of life with light appetizers will be held at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, in the Evjue Commons, from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025. Please RSVP (tinyurl.com/2s4dnw5n). Please feel free to wear your favorite Badgers gear.


Mitchell’s family would like to raise money for a park bench and plaque at a nearby park where Mitchell played with his dog, Luna. If you would like to help fund this memorial, please visit https://gofund.me/0da3c7c2.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

27
Celebration of Life
Mon Oct 27, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM CDT
Olbrich Botanical Gardens • 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
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AA
A Memorial Tree was planted for Mitchell Scott Anderson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
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Heather Dufresne
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To Mitch’s mom, dad, sister and his other family and close friends, I am so sorry for your loss. My son, Grant, was one of those lucky kids who got to work with him. It was evident seeing any kid around Mitch, whether they had special needs or not, that he really knew how to connect with children. Grant got to work with Mitch for 2 years at his elementary school and even past those 2 years Mitch was so kind to meet with us at a dog park with his Luna and our 2 dogs. Not only did Grant and his younger sister really enjoy catching up with Mitch but I did too. He was warm and funny and kind. I lost my older sister to cancer right after she had turned 39 and know how devastated my parents and I felt when she passed. Please know that you’re not alone and that one day the grief will not be so all encompassing. We were extremely lucky to know Mitch and we will always remember him. Our deepest condolences, Heather, Marc, Grant & Allie Dufresne
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Alicia Wielemaker
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Holly, I am deeply saddened for your loss. He sounded truly great and I cant imagine the pain of his absence even as you hold those dear memories.
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Bruce Bengtson
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Dear Tom, Jean, and Holly - It was shocking to read of Mitch’s death scrolling through the Gunderson obituaries. He was such a nice guy and a loyal member of children’s and youth choirs at Luther Memorial. You all are in my prayers. Mr. Bruce (Bengtson)
TJ
Tom, Rene, Kyle and Jake
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For a great nephew and cousin, we love you Mitch.
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Chuck McConnell
Other •
Mitch lived across the street. I watched him from a child playing to.becoming an exceptional young man. He will be deeply missed by all.that knew him. Hugs to the family. Your friends, Chuck and Pam.

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