Dylan was born on September 8, 2002, in Traverse City, the son of Steven Ray Anderson Jr. and Wendi Rhae Wilson.

Dylan loved sports of every kind — softball, golf, bowling, cornhole — and he proudly held the title of “king of pickleball.” His long arms gave him an edge on the court; he loved to try and dunk on his brother and was known for blocking shots. He taught his older brother Steven to golf and brought that same joy and competitiveness to everyone who played alongside him.

Big-hearted and protective, Dylan always looked out for his family. Growing up, he had a special bond with his baby sister Sophia; only being a year apart, he would tell everyone that she was his twin. As a kid he enjoyed fishing and dancing around the house. As he grew — and quickly outgrew his siblings — he became the “big” little brother, always trying to trap his older sister Andrea’s head in his armpit just to make her laugh (or groan). His playful spirit was always wrapped in love.

Dylan is survived by his parents; his siblings, Andrea Emery, Steven Anderson, and Sophia Anderson; his paternal grandmother, Audry Anderson; and his Died November 28, 2025 maternal grandparents, Frank (Sharon) Sams Sr. and Sweet Lou Wilson; his aunts and uncles, Dena Wilson, Rayne Wilson, Frank Wilson Jr., David L. Anderson, Trisha Sams, Savannah Sams, Patricia “Pat” Sams, Dee Niigaanakwad, Ruth (Fred Raphael) Anderson, Sandy (Mike Hernandez) Anderson, Bill (Jane) Anderson, and David D. Anderson as well as many cousins, extended family members, and friends who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Steven Anderson Sr.

The visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with words of remembrance from his great uncle James Wilson at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with the family greeting friends at 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th at the Kewadin Community Church, with burial to follow in the Kewadin Indian Mission Cemetery. Pastor Delfred “Bunny” Whitecrow will officiate. A luncheon will follow burial at the Harry and Ida John dining hall behind the cemetery.

Please share condolences and memories with Dylan’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.