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Jacob Pursley, 22, Rochester

Jacob Pursley, 22, Rochester, obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacob T. W. Pursley on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at 22 years old, at his Adult Foster Care residence in Rochester. Although the cause of his death was not definitively diagnosed, it appeared to be related to complications caused by the effect of an illness on his many existing health issues.

Jacob Thomas William Pursley was born on May 11, 2002, in Minneapolis, as a premature infant of 36 weeks due to complications experienced during pregnancy. He spent most of his first year of life in the hospital due to several health issues, which continued to give him problems the rest of his life. It was observed as he continued to grow, he experienced significant health, learning and developmental issues that continued to baffle many specialists in many areas. The root cause of his problems was never identified even after extensive genetic, laboratory and psychological testing, which caused many of his treatments to be the doctors’ best educated guesses with a mixture of failures and successes.

Despite his many medical and psychological issues, Jacob was a very loved boy by his family, with determination, that was very friendly with him smiling and offering hugs to all of those around him. Like most boys, he was interested in cars, trucks, trains, aircraft, and so on. His favorite foods were just about anything with a lot of cheese and his most requested foods were often Macaroni and Cheese as well as grilled cheese and such. To get him to try any new food, you had to relate it to something that he knew he already liked.

He is survived by his younger brother Josiah Pursley, parents Bradley and Denise Pursley, paternal grandparents Thomas and Amanda Pursley, maternal grandmother Sharon Frantz, and maternal grandfather Ward Schultz, all who loved and supported him well.

The sheer number of people who have touched and been touched by his life is far too numerous to list, but we thank you for your love, generosity, and understanding over the years of his life.

A memorial service is being held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Owatonna with Pastor Matt Tolosa officiating. There will be a time of visitation prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. and a modest luncheon will follow after the memorial service. All who knew him and his family are welcome to attend. No RSVP is required. The family would enjoy the gift of your presence but understand if you are only able to attend in spirit.

May God bless you all!

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