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

Jackson (Jennali) Grace Dempsey

October 26, 2000 - December 12, 2023

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