Grace Wietor

Grace Wietor, 6, born on August 15, 2018, in Omaha, Nebraska, fought courageously for every moment of her life before she peacefully went to heaven on March 7, 2025. Though her time with us was short, the mark she left on this world is nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment she entered this world, Grace defied the impossible. Despite being born with a congenital heart defect and a diagnosis of Trisomy 13, she proved to everyone around her that she was a force to be reckoned with. She wasn’t supposed to survive her first week, let alone her first birthday. But Grace, the tiny but mighty warrior, had other plans. She conquered heart surgery at just six days old, weighing only 5 lbs 3 oz, and went on to live not only to see her first birthday but to thrive for six and a half beautiful years. Grace beat the odds and inspired everyone who met her with her fierce will to live, her vibrant spirit, and her unwavering strength.

Grace’s journey was one of resilience and joy. She was more than her diagnosis—she was a reminder that the human spirit is unstoppable. She made countless friends, touched many hearts, and left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her infectious smile, laughter, and snuggles brought warmth and love wherever she went. To those who loved her, she was our “melatonin,” soothing our worries and filling us with peace. Grace’s very presence had the power to uplift.

Her life was a testament to perseverance and the importance of living fully, no matter the challenges we face. Grace never let her limitations define her. She embraced every moment—roaming the botanical gardens, touching jellyfish at the aquarium, splashing with friends in the jacuzzi, relaxing on trains, taking road trips, and even attending a wedding. She experienced life to the fullest with grace, love, and a fierce determination. She had an undeniable flair for fashion and always did it in style, leaving a trail of smiles everywhere she went.

We are forever grateful to the incredible medical teams at Children’s Nebraska, Miller Children’s Hospital & Village, Providence, and Optum Healthcare. You saw Grace not for her diagnosis but for the beautiful, strong soul she was, helping her achieve the milestones that many thought impossible. You treated her with compassion and care, always celebrating her victories alongside us.

A special thank you goes to Grace's team of home nurses, who were not just caregivers, but family. You loved her as your own, and in doing so, you allowed us to simply be mom and dad. Your kindness and dedication meant the world to us.

To our friends and family, your unwavering support, whether through daily care, thoughtful check-ins, or just being there when we needed you most, gave us the strength to keep going. Grace’s life was a beautiful reminder of the love and community that surrounds us.

Though her time with us was brief, Grace’s legacy will live on forever. She taught us all that resilience is not just surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. She showed us that love is more powerful than any diagnosis, and that true strength is found in the ability to keep fighting, no matter the odds. Grace changed hearts, inspired minds, and made us better people. Her life was full of adventure, love, and purpose. She enriched our lives beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

Though our hearts ache with her loss, we find comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited with our beautiful, brave Grace. Until then, we carry her spirit with us, forever changed and forever grateful for the precious gift of her life.

If you would like to attend her service virtually, please use the following link. Service will begin at 5 pm pacific, March 31, 2025.

Grace's Virtual Memorial Service