In loving memory

Dylan James Friedland

May 30, 1998 – February 28, 2022

Lived 23 years

St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery · Avoca, WI

“When I do die, I don’t want you guys to miss me so much that you put pause on your lives. I want you to go on with your lives and be happy. Just try to focus on the happy memories of me, and forget about the sad ones.”

Life story

Dylan J. Friedland was the kind of person who refused to let his disabilities define him. Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy his entire life, Dylan faced every challenge with humor, sarcasm, and an unmatched strength that inspired everyone around him. He was known for his raunchy sense of humor and his ability to joke about anything, including himself, making the people around him laugh no matter the situation.

An avid gamer known online as “Crazy Slayer” and “MessyDedJr,” Dylan built friendships that stretched across the world. Gaming was more than a hobby to him, it was a place where his personality truly shined. He kept up with his friends in every way he could and never let limitations stop him from being part of the fun.

Above all else, Dylan loved his family deeply. He was an amazing uncle whose nieces and nephews could do no wrong in his eyes. Whether he was making them laugh, giving rides on his chair, or simply spending time with them, Dylan made every moment memorable. Dylan had a way of making people feel comfortable, included, and entertained just by being himself. He left behind a legacy of resilience, humor, loyalty, and love that continues to live on through the people lucky enough to know him.

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Photos

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Photo book

Dylan’s life, in a printed book

We design every page from Dylan’s 37 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Dylan.

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Lifetime

The world Dylan knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1998

Born May 30

1999

Dylan was 1 when Americans braced for the Y2K computer bug

2004

Dylan was 6 when Facebook was launched

2005

Dylan was 7 when the first video was posted to YouTube

2010

Dylan was 12 when Instagram was launched

2017

Dylan was 19 when "Fortnite" became a video game phenomenon

2022

Passed away February 28, age 23

Tributes and memories

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Carol Ostrowski 21w

Birthdays in Heaven

Today we celebrated Dylan the way we always try to, with cupcakes, toys, laughter, and a whole lot of love. The kids made sure he still got birthday treats and little treasures, because even though he isn’t here the way we wish he was, he is still part of all of us. There’s something bittersweet about watching children smile and play beside a grave. It reminds you how love keeps people present long after they’re gone. Dylan would have absolutely loved the cupcakes, the chaos, the toys, and hearing the kids laugh. Honestly, he probably would’ve been making sarcastic comments the entire time too. Some people leave fingerprints on your life that never really fade. Dylan was one of those people. We miss him every day, but especially today. Happy Birthday, Dylan. We still show up for you. Always. 💙