Jackson Thomas Kradle

Jackson Thomas Kradle, age 18, of Mt. Carroll, IL, was taken from us far too soon on July 28, 2024. A 2024 graduate of West Carroll High School, Jackson had the makings of an honest, hard-working, and loving young man, and he will be honored and missed by his family, friends, and by his community as a whole.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 8, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, as well as one hour prior to Friday's service. Burial will occur at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson, IL. Following the funeral services, a celebration of Jackson's life will take place at Manny's Too, in Fulton, IL, at 4 p.m.
Jackson was born June 23, 2006, in Freeport, IL, the son of Joshua Sisler and Diana Kradle. It was soon evident that Jackson was destined to light up rooms the rest of his life with his infectious smile. That little guy always had a grin on his face! His mom fondly recalls how it was nearly impossible to tell if that sweet little boy was lying, because that smile was ever-present.
Baseball was one of Jackson's true passions, and once again, this was clear from a young age. From his first throw, at the age of 2, his parents knew he'd be a player! He'd spend the rest of his years giving that beautiful game his all, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs; and, sometimes wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates hat, but just because he liked the colors!
Jackson was a curious boy who grew into a well-rounded young man. As a child he'd proudly proclaim, "that's my farm!", when they would drive by his grandparent's land, and that "ownership" was well-deserved. He would help grandpa with chores and tasks, and loved to camp on that land, and in their cabin, with his dad, brothers, and sister.
Jackson developed into a disciplined and patient person who would meticulously do the dishes, lining up flatware on the drying mat, in perfect order; but somehow, when it came time for sweeping, he "didn't know how to use a broom." Good thing mom was there to teach him!
As he entered his high school years, Jackson participated in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy in Elizabeth, with the goal of one day becoming an auto mechanic. His curious mind was always pushing him to try new things. He recently began learning brick masonry from Dan Becktell, and would often help with his father's business, Sisler Construction. He'd work at the Sisler shop most weekends and made a routine out of collecting their scrap metal. It became a running joke not to touch that scrap metal, or "Jackson's gas money" as they lovingly referred to it.
Music always brought joy to Jackson, and just recently he began to play the guitar. He would learn from his dad whenever he could, and would practice and try to self-teach when possible. Now that his childhood years were behind him, Jackson's taste in music began to change. He started listening to "Dad Rock" as he called it, growing an appreciation for the classic rock that his parents grew up with. One day, while riding in the car with his mom, Jackson was excited to introduce her to a song he recently discovered. He shuffled through his phone, hit play, and low and behold, it was one of her favorites from decades ago. Seeing Jackson embrace the guitar and the music that they loved, brought about a sense of pride in his mother and father, that they will carry with them forever.
The childhood stories and funny quirks are the easy things to sit back and laugh about during a trying time like this. It's the promise he showed as a man, and how that potential will never be fully realized, that cuts deep and grabs hold of the hearts of those who loved Jackson. He was strong – working to build a life for himself; he was loving – maintaining strong relationships with his loving family; and he was optimistic – looking ahead to the beautiful things this life can offer, and more importantly to the promise of life everlasting, through the love of God.
Even now, in the face of this tragedy, we who love you Jackson, can rest easy knowing you are smiling down on us, ready to guide us through the next chapters of our lives. Jackson will be dearly missed by his mother, Diana (Jesse Warfield) Kradle, of Savanna, IL; father, Joshua (Jessica Behrens) Sisler, of Mt. Carroll; brothers, Phillip Kradle and Keelin Sisler; sister, Nico Sisler; grandparents, Bob and Darlene Sisler; step brothers, River Warfield and Kacen Neuschwanger; step sister, Angel Warfield; uncles, Joe (Cindy) Sisler, Scott (Cindy) Sisler, Keith Atherton, and Blake Atherton; aunt, Sheri (Dennis) Benters; honorary brother, Ethan Knapp; and his cat, Luna.
Jackson is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Belinda Atherton, and grandmother, Kelly Behrens.