Alden D. Grade

Alden Duncan Grade passed away peacefully on June 30, 2016 at home. He was born on March 7, 2001 in Appleton. Though his life was short, he overcame incredible odds and physical challenges and he touched many people by his courage, determination, and joy of life on earth. He led us to believe each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Those that knew Alden understood the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His silly giggles, loving smile, and curiosity about the world around him were contagious and though he never spoke a word, his voice and thoughts could always be heard.

Alden will always be remembered for his love of riding his bike, his strings of colorful beads, and his love of music and dancing. He enjoyed playing and wrestling with his two loving brothers, sleeping late, and going for rides in the family van.

With Alden's passing we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, he will forever remain in our hearts. Through his teachings about life and love we were able to create memories with him and our families. Alden was a gift from God and it is an honor and a privilege he came into our family. He was an angel on earth and now is an angel in our midst.

Alden leaves behind many wonderful doctors, caregivers, therapists, teachers and school staff that provided love and support enhancing his quality of life. We are grateful for all of them.

Alden is survived by his loving family: Anthony “Tony” Grade and Megan Burdick-Grade; two loving brothers: Forrest Grade and Dillon Grade; maternal grandparents: Duncan and Judith Burdick; and paternal grandmother: Jean Grade. Alden leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins: Mike (Sarah) Burdick and their children Aidan, Claire, and Lily; Susan Perry and her son Tristan; Thomas Grade, Jr.; Joe (Shirley) Grade; Laura (Donald) Depner and their children Jason (Deb) Grossinger and their children Gabe and Ella; Michelle (Gregg) Mader and their children Aubree and Landon; Theresa (Mark) Miller and their children Joseph and Jennifer; Ted Grade and his children Austin and Kordell; Shirley (Bill) Ernst and their children Danielle (Scott) Pellegrini and their children Scarlet and Quentin, Andrew and Matthew Ernst; Ann (Marty) Van Hammond and their children Rachel (Zach) Clausing, and Grace Van Hammond; Steve (Susan) Grade and their children Evan and Ruby; Scott (Melissa) Grade and their son Drew.
Alden was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Thomas Grade, Sr.

A Celebration of Life for Alden will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHIRST, 724 E. South River Street in Appleton, with Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday starting at 3:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated in Alden's name to area organizations that supported him and his family.

A special thank you to all of the physicians, nurses, and therapists at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, American Family Children's Hospital Madison, and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin who cared for him, the caring staff of Willow Heart Respite Center, his in-home caregivers, Calumet County Human Services, and the teachers and staff who supported him at Janet Berry Elementary School and Madison Middle School.