"It has been my pleasure to know the Anderson family since Danni was in kindergarten; she and my youngest son Eric were in class together, and he invited her to participate in his birthday party. A good time was had by all. I have worked with both Eva and Danni in class, and I am sorry to learn that Jesse was called to Heaven so early in life, but I hope the family finds comfort in his peaceful journey. It was not one filled with pain or strife, but a gentle, dreaming, welcoming embrace into God's arms. I am grieved by your loss of Jesse; it is never easy to lose a loved one, and I am praying for your family as you work through the healing process. The memories of your time with Jesse will become even more cherished with the passage of time; hang on to those treasures and allow them to help you heal. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Gilbert Middle School and Gilbert High School family; we are here to support Eva and Danni in any way we can. Blessings to all, LisaJane (LJ) Gildehaus / Mrs. G.; RLA 8 Instructor, Gilbert Middle School"
In loving memory of
Jesse Dane Anderson
August 6, 2007 - January 19, 2019
Jesse Dane Anderson never ceased to amaze us with his vivacious personality and special talents. His favorite things to do were swing on the playground with staff and family, go to P.E. and music class with his friends, and watch basketball and football, cheering with the fans. His sisters Eva and Danni liked to spin him around in a desk chair while listening to music by ABBA, Queen, and Boston. Music was a huge part of his life. Jesse and his mother went to the Ankeny HyVee every Wednesday afternoon, and were always surprised to find out how many people knew him from school. His favorite time of the day was bath time, as he would fight to stay in the bath as long as possible. Despite his slight build, he could eat as much as he wanted, with his favorite food being Fruity Pebbles that he enjoyed at his Ames house.
Jesse's family is very indebted to his Childserve staff for caring for him since he was one, first in the Transitional Care Unit in Johnston, and then in the Townhome in Ankeny. He never cried on the weekends when he returned from Ames to Ankeny, as he loved his caregivers like his own family. The staff helped teach Jesse certain life skills, and sign language, which he adapted for his own abilities. Jesse suffered from a seizure disorder and from hypertension since he was a baby, and likely died of a seizure while asleep. He did not suffer, but died happily, imagining his next visit to Ames.
Jesse was born August 6, 2007, to Susan and Kevin Anderson, a little brother to Eva and Danni Anderson, a grandson to Arliss Stockdale, Larrie Stone and Barbara McKlveen, a nephew to Darren and Becci Anderson and Michael and Laura Blossey and a host of friends and caregivers from, Prairie Trail Elementary, Parkview Middle School and Childserve.
He is preceded by his grandfathers, James McKlveen, LeRoy Anderson.
Jesse passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, at his home, a gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames with a 11:00 a.m. funeral service Thursday, Jan 24, at First United Methodist Church 516 Kellogg Ave., Ames, Iowa. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Jesse Dane Anderson memorial fund at First National Bank.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I have been an associate on Jesses' school bus. He was a joy to all. My sympathy to his family. "
"I was blessed to have Jesse in my fifth grade class and to see him in the halls at Prairie Trail Elementary and again this year as we both made the transition to Parkview Midfle School. Jesse brought out the goodness in all of us. He loved listening to poetry and music, and I could count on him for a cheerful greeting, smile, and a high five any time I saw him in the halls. I cherish the memory of seeing Jesse in the front row at assemblies, rocking, clapping, and shrieking with joy during the songs we played and sang. He was a blessing to all of us. -Jeff Bakke"
"I was lucky enough to meet Jesse years ago, when I first came to Camp SunnySide as a counselor. Each year I have looked forward to spending time with one of the most wonderful young men I have ever met. Jesse's giggle could bring joy to any and all moments at camp and I know he will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to Jesse's family. Thank you Jesse, for all the joy you have brought to me and everyone else around you. "
"I had the pleasure of being one of Jesse's counselors at Camp Sunnyside for the past three years. He was a beautiful person, full of laugher and life. He never failed to put a smile on my face and I have countless fond memories of sitting with him in the summer sun, waving and saying hello to everyone who walked by and laughing at the craziest jokes we could come up with. The first thing I used to do when I arrived at camp for the summer season would be to check the weeks that Jesse would be there; I counted down the days until his next session as soon as he pulled away in his van on a Friday! My heartfelt condolences to Jesse's family, friends and staff. I know I speak on behalf of all the summer counselors that have gotten to know Jesse over the years when I say that he will be missed deeply by all of us. Heaven truly has gained an angel. "
"Jesse was the most happy person I knew. I remember that I would be in the halls at Prairie Trail/ Parkview and he would just have a smile on his face and say hi and that always made my day. - Reagan H. "
"Once at school we had an assembly and I was upset. Jesse talked to me and made me smile. I will miss seeing him at school. Story N. - Parkview Middle School"
"Jesse was one of the first "friends" I made when I came to work at CS. I have fond memories of his smiling face as he bounced on my knee. He was a very special boy who shared much love with many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who cared for him. "
"I took care of Jesse at ChildServe transitional care unit. I loved taking care of him and I got to know his family. He was a darling, sweet, little boy who touched a lot of lives. My prayers to the Anderson family."
"My condolences to the family. When loosing a loved one it can be unbearable. That is why God has provided scriptures in the Bible to help ones cope with the loss. In the Bible book of Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah God promises soon to "swallow up death forever." He also promises to bring back those who have fallen asleep in death (Acts 24:15). In a little while longer this kind of pain will be a thing of the past (Revelations 21:4). May these scriptures bring you comfort in this difficult time "
"Prayers for the family "
"Kevin, Susan, and girl's, I just saw a post today about Jesse. I want to thank you for the 5 years I got to spend with him. He truly made me laugh and brightened my day every time I walked in to his home. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family."
"Anderson Family: You can know the impact an individual has made by the stories he leaves behind. Jesse leaves stories of friendship, caring, warmth, and living life to its' fullest. He has touched the lives of so many of our kids and staff. His stories will stay with us - leaving us with cherished memories. - Jeff Schumacher on behalf of Parkview Middle School"
"Susan, Kevin, and Family First and foremost; thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to play a small role is Jesse's life. From the moment he moved into the ATH, I knew I had just met a special little boy that would change me for the better. I will never forget getting to be a part of his first big boy bed! think of him often and it always brings a smile to my face. Prayers and love being sent to all during this difficult time. PS - Please tell Danni Happy Birthday. Her and Eva look like the have grown into beautiful young ladies! April McCrea"
"Susan and Brian and family, Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this time of Jesse's death. I remember when he was born and how unknown his future was then. May fun memories of his time with you and his fun times help you in your grief. With love and sympathy, Jackie and Ron Smith"