Gianna Zachmann

Gianna Theresa Zachmann was taken home to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 2, 2020 while being cradled in the arms of her parents at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Church of St. Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

 Gianna spent 68 days here on Earth after being born at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, ND on November 27, 2019.

Gianna was born critically ill and spent only a day in Bismarck, ND. A day after her birth, Gianna was flown to Mayo Clinic Hospital where she was treated for multiple medical complications including heart, lung, brain, and kidney diseases. Although Gianna was incredibly sick all her life, she was able to spend a lot of quality time with her parents while doctors tried to alleviate her illnesses.

Gianna spent many days being snuggled by her mom and dad. She enjoyed being talked to, read to, and sang to. From the very beginning, Gianna displayed her feisty personality in everything she did. She was very particular and quite the drama queen. Her parents lovingly spoiled her by doing their best to always keep her comfortable. Some of Gianna’s favorite things included wearing her dinosaur pajamas, butt pats, bath time, being swaddled, being unswaddled after being swaddled, attempting to pull out her respiratory support, and of course, lots of cuddles. Not many days went by without multiple doctors and nurses visiting Gianna and admiring how adorable she was in her various outfits, bows, and hats.

Gianna’s feisty side also shone through as she proved to everyone how much of a fighter she was. Gianna wasn’t expected to live more than a few days, but by fighting hard, she blessed the world with her presence for two whole months. Gianna accomplished many great works in her short life. By her witness, she brought many people closer to God through their prayers. She taught her parents, along with many others, a great deal about love and the sanctity of human life. Gianna’s life touched many hearts and her love will never be forgotten.

Gianna was an incredible gift to this world and although she fought day after day, she was born with multiple life-limiting diseases that she could not overcome. Her soul lives on, ready to pray for those who call upon her. Sweet Gianna Theresa, pray for us.

Gianna is survived by her parents, Boston and Molly Zachmann; her grandparents, Bern and Mary Zachmann and Jim and Janet Keister; her great-grandmothers, Elaine Zachmann and Jean Keister; and her aunts and uncles, Brady (Ambre) Zachmann, Brooklynn Zachmann, Kyle Keister, and Abbey Keister. She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandparents, Harry Zachmann and Clarence and Lorraine DeTenancour; her maternal great-grandparents, Howard Keister and Bob and Theresa Lanners; and her paternal great-aunt, Jo Buchholz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gianna’s honor may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota at: https://rmhmn.org/donate/

To view Gianna's tribute video, click here.