Obituary
Grace Leigh Ziebell, 9, died on Friday, April 15th from complications of pneumonia. A beacon of hope to everyone who knew her, "Gracie girl" defied the odds, celebrating nine blessed birthdays after doctors warned she may never live to see her first. She proved day after day that the word never is nothing more than a challenge to those who are strong in spirit. With seven older brothers, Grace was God's gift to her parents, Rachel and Michael, who had prayed for a daughter to bring home to their boys. Though they may have thought a girl might bring a sense of calm to the household, they would soon learn that Grace thrived on her brother's rambunctious energy. For their part, Jordan, Daniel, Levi, Jacob, Noah, Matthew and Jonathan doted on their little sister. With hearts as big as the challenge God had given them, Grace's brothers showed the world what love and devotion really look like. Born after a healthy 41.5 weeks, Grace's delicate five-pound frame was the first sign that the road ahead would not be easy. She was quickly whisked away to the NICU to be put on life support. Tests would later confirm a diagnosis of Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome. "Incompatible with life" was the cold description offered by the doctors. But Grace, in her first act of defiance, flipped that warning inside out. "Compatible with love" was more her style. A visit from their pastor brought Rachel and Michael much needed resolve in those first few days of life, and a Bible verse he shared from the book of Jeremiah became their guiding light. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Plans, hope and a future… amazing Grace took every opportunity to make the most of the future God had planned for her. She loved music, dancing to the golden oldies with her dad in the living room. When her brothers would try to play some hot new album, Grace would have none of it, insisting on classics like Patsy Cline. She also never turned down a warm snuggle, especially if it came with a book. Just make sure you had room for Molly Dolly on your lap, too. Grace loved. She loved so much that everyone from her teenage brothers to the tireless nurses and even perfect strangers couldn't help but love her right back. Her smile ruled out the possibility of having a bad day, and her giggle crushed any notion of sadness. Grace's love has forever filled our hearts, and we thank God for each day we got to share our lives with her. Grace is survived by her parents, Rachel and Michael, Barnesville, MN; brothers Jordan (loving friend Kellie Opsahl), Rothsay, MN; Daniel (Nicole) and sons Jace and Maison, Breckenridge, MN; and Levi, Jacob, Noah, Matthew and Jonathan, all of Barnesville; grandmothers Mavis Holt, Barnesville; and Diane Ziebell, Alexandria; as well as several aunts and uncles. Throughout her nine years, Grace's family grew beyond the bounds of blood, and the Ziebells would like to recognize and thank their extended families at Sanford Health and TLP Trucking. Your love and support will never be forgotten. A celebration of Grace's life will take place on Saturday, April 30th at 2 PM at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will be one hour before the celebration of Grace's life. Please keep the family of Grace in your thoughts and prayers.