Jackson (Jennali) Grace Dempsey

Jackson (Jennali) Grace Dempsey

October 26, 2000 - December 12, 2023

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Obituary

MIDDLETON / STOUGHTON - Jackson (Jennali) Grace Dempsey, age 23, passed away much too early on Dec. 12, 2023, after a battle with mental health illness and addiction. He was adopted by parents, Candice Graf and Darren Dempsey, in September 2001.


Jackson’s warm heart and love for family will be missed by all. The strength that grounded him through life’s headwinds was rooted in his strong family relationships and the unconditional love. Jackson was the most kindhearted soul, who would do anything for anybody.


Friends and family alike will fondly remember Jackson’s unwavering ability to tell a story, weaving every last detail into tales that left everyone smiling. He relished climbing anything, could take anything apart and put it together better than it was, and loved splashing away on a summer day in a lake or pool. He wouldn’t shy away from being the first to jump in, April swims were no exception. Jackson loved adventures and learned he could find peace and happiness while hiking and camping. One of his fondest memories was a 30-day hike along the north shore of Lake Superior with the FLYY Organization (Forward Learning Youth & Young Adults) in 2016. He continued his relationships with mentors and counselors until his passing.


Jackson is survived by his parents, Candice (Bill) Graf and Darren (Kelly) Dempsey; siblings, Jason (Margaret) Wieser, Christopher (James) Wieser and Kassondra Wieser; stepbrothers and sisters include Jaymos and Colton Brietzman, Bill Graf, MaryClaire (Patrick) Garvey and Kiley (Tyler) Hagen; grandparent, Vern Strutzel; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. His faithful canine companion, Fergie, will undoubtedly miss the warmth of Jackson’s hugs.


In honor of Jackson’s life, we ask that the truth be spread with regard to this epidemic and awareness be raised. Mental health illness and addiction hide in the faces of everyday people all around us. These two particular illnesses have no cure. Jackson would want you to know: most try their whole lives, doing whatever they can to be “fixed.” Jackson would always ask “Why Can’t I Be Normal? I Just Want The Pain To Go Away.” We hope with enough awareness, we will see a cure one day. Until then, please remember Jackson and those who suffer; they are good people with huge hearts.


A celebration of life will be held at THE Hilltop Restaurant, 4173 County Road P, Cross Plains, Wis., from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jackson’s remembrance to The FLYY Group (www.flyy.org/donate/) or Tellurian, Inc. (www.tellurian.org/donate). These two organizations work with great care to support many battling mental health illness and addiction to make each day better.


“This is not a Good Bye, it’s a See Ya Later!” - Jackson


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


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Events

19
Celebration of Life
Tue Dec 19, 2023 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
The Hilltop Restaurant • 4173 County Road P, Cross Plains, WI 53528
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Jackson (Jennali)
RK
Robin Kroetz
Other •
I am sorry to hear of your family's loss. You do not know me. I felt the need to send my condolences. I hope your loved one has found gentle peace. You have done a great service, for all others, suffering from mental illness & addiction in Jackson's name. To this day, there is such a stigma associated with these diseases. There is not enough: Help, understanding, acceptance, and simple compassion. Far too many have been lost. By adding the message, you have offered hope to those who need it the most. Even in loss, you were able to think of others suffering. Thank you for help, simply by writing the truth. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
MV
Michael Varney
Other •
Bill and Candice -- Such sad news. Losing a child must be so very difficult -- impossible to comprehend. I hope you find comfort in knowing others share the hurt with you. The story of Jackson's life was well-written, tender and touching. May you both have many fond memories to cherish....
SM
Steve and Madeline Morgan
Other •
Bill and Candice -- You know us as your Badger Basketball seat neighbors, and we wanted to express our condolences on the loss of your child. Thank you for the strong statement in the obituary to spread the truth regarding the epidemic about mental illness and addictions. As you wrote and as you will remember, Jackson was the most kindhearted soul who showed people how to smile. Our sympathies on his passing -- Madeline and Steve Morgan
GM
Gundlach Margit
Other •
I remember having Jackson/Jennali in class. S/He always kept me on my toes. I laughed, struggled, I questioned, and loved the challenge because I loved her/him. We went knitting together in the summer with a couple of classmates, Hannah F. And Michael S. I picked her/him up from daycare and took her m/him to Lakeside Fibers where we tried to knit some bookmarks. I had such a great time with these beginner knitters. I think they did too, especially Jackson.
Z
Zoe
Other •
My friend we had a lot of fun shared a lot of laughs glad I got to see you again before god called you home you used to tell me everything I wish you would’ve told me the whole story we would’ve fought those demons together but I’m gone smile and hold on to the memories I have until we meet again for ever a friend in me -Zoe

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