Addyson Avery Piper Janzen

Addyson Avery Piper Janzen age 14, of Mountain Lake, MN died on December 18, 2023, at Sanford Medical in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake and will continue on Wednesday from 10:30 am until 11:30 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake.

Service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:30 am.

The clergy will be Rev. Rick Bremseth. Interment will be at the Mountain Lake City Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mtn. Lake, MN.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Addyson Avery Piper was born into this world on Monday, June 1, 2009.  People don’t normally look forward to Monday’s, but this particular Monday blessed this world with a beautiful little baby girl.  Welcomed into this world surrounded by family, Addy knew the love of a beautiful family right from the very beginning.

Addy was baptized in October of 2009 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake. Family and friends gathered around Addy, always wanting her to have a foundation of love and support.

Addy was born with these brilliant blue eyes that would steal your heart, and a million-dollar smile that reached all the way to those eyes. Addy’s smile would shine and light up a whole room. Her infectious laugh sounded like pure joy.  When Addy laughed, she would belt it out strait from her belly. As Addy grew, so did her personality.  Addy was a child that knew what she loved and wanted, and she voiced her (opinions?) likes and wants in a way that would command the room.  Her voice was sweet, yet firm, and always got a giggle out of those that were near her.  She was so young and carefree, yet sometimes the things she said were declared with such an old soul and in such seriousness.  It was not uncommon to hear her tell her mom “It’s time to go home now mom.  It’s time for bed,” which would make us all laugh. Addy loved being at home with her Sissy and Mom, and sometimes she didn’t feel like sharing them with anyone.  Addy just liked what she liked, home was a favorite for her, and she found comfort being there, so she declared it.

In Kindergarten, Addy started giving signs that her body was struggling. At age 5, Addy was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. MLD started stealing the voice that we all had grown to count on to keep us in line. MLD began taking things from Addy that broke our hearts.  From the very beginning of this heartbreak, Addy showed everyone around her what strength and courage looks like.

Addy loved all things Disney. Minnie Mouse and Frozen became a household name. You will find many pictures with Addy adorned in Minnie Mouse attire or watching her favorite movie Frozen. Soon after her diagnosis, Addy was gifted a Make a Wish trip. She was able to travel with her family to experience Disney World. The moments on that trip are held so fondly. Addy’s life is filled with moments, that are now treasures. Treasures that were gathered up and are now kept in a treasure chest of the hearts of all who are blessed to know her.

As Addy got older, her love for Disney did not waiver. Watching Disney movies became part of Addy’s favorite things to do. MLD may have stolen a lot of things, but it did not steal Addy’s million-dollar smile. These Disney movies brought that beautiful smile across Addy’s face, which brought a smile to any one near her. Addy’s smile became a beautiful bridge of communication between her and those that love her.

Addy’s classmates, teachers, paras and friends at Mountain Lake Public school have been some of Addy’s biggest cheerleaders. From including her in school projects, to singing her Christmas Carols, her school friends made sure she knew that she was loved and a part of the whole, no matter what. A kindness that will be treasured in the hearts of her family forever and ever. Addy was not given the same amount of time here that some people get. Some people take decades upon decades to seek and find their purpose. Addy found her purpose very early on; she taught others an invaluable lesson about how to live while you are here. Addy taught us to really love the things you love. Love them big. Love them loud. Declare your heart and let it be known. These are the things that will be remembered long after your voice fades away. To know this young woman, is to know strength.  To know Addy, is to know love.

Addy gave a brave and gentle exhale on Monday December 18, 2023. Her room filled with family and friends; a room filled with immeasurable love and peace.  Born to us on a Monday; Born into Heaven on a Monday. Monday’s have turned out to be something pretty special.  Nothing could ever dull the treasure of Miss Addyson Avery Piper Janzen. For 14 years, she taught us all to love bravely and boldly, and to never shy away from lending someone the gift of a smile. Addy’s smile will live on forever.  In her mom’s words, Addy is Forever 14.  What a beautiful sentiment.

Addy will continue to be loved so fiercely in the hearts of her mother, Kimberly Janzen; sister, Delainey Janzen; grandparents, Dean and Deb Janzen; aunts, Katina Lira Cardona (Shaun Swanigan), Amy (Jose) Dominguez, and Angela Alvarado; cousins, Säda (Kyle) Wensmann (Godmother), Carlos Lira Cardona, Brianna Jensen, Alexis (Jose) Sanchez, and Vicente Ibarra Alvarado; many more extended family and friends, as well as an entire community of parents and children whose lives are affected by MLD. Addy was welcomed into Heaven by many loved ones.  Some of the beloved family greeting Addy are Auntie Pam; Baby Wensmann; great grandparents, Frank and Janet Janzen and Richard and Mildred Luebeck.

A sincere thank you to Addy’s care team which include her favorite nurse Erin Behnke, the Mountain Lake Ambulance, the Windom Ambulance, Windom Area Health, Sanford AirMed crews, Sanford Children’s Hospital, PICU Doctors, Nurses and Support Staff, along with Palliative Care. We are forever grateful for your care.

Until you meet again, keep sharing love and kindness in Addy’s honor. Take that trip, find your purpose, and remember that sometimes all it takes is a smile and a song to brighten a whole day.

Sing Frozen Songs so loud that it reaches Heaven’s gate.

Forever 14