Gracelyn Jo Ziegler

It is with hearts both heavy and full of gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved Gracelyn Jo Ziegler, who left this world on June 19, 2025, just shy of her 17th birthday. Born on June 25, 2008, in Mankato, Minnesota, Gracelyn was the cherished daughter of Kassi-jo Ziegler.

Gracelyn’s journey through life was a vibrant tapestry of joy and achievement. She began her educational adventure at ECFE in Lake Crystal, moving on to light up the classrooms of Lake Crystal and Mapleton, before completing her junior year at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School. A passionate dancer since the age of three, Gracelyn embraced dance at Spotlight Dance and also dedicated her time to volleyball, beginning in third grade. Her vibrant spirit shone through her involvement in the National Honor Society and FCCLA, and she selflessly volunteered in her community, especially baking fundraisers. 

Gracelyn’s laughter was contagious, her smile lit up every room she walked through, her kindness unwavering, and her love for children was evident in her work at Little Stars Early Learning Center and her part-time role at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. She will be remembered as a determined, beautiful, and truly special individual who brought warmth and happiness to everyone she encountered. 

In glorifying Gracelyn’s beautiful life, let us come together to cherish the memories, the laughter, and the love that she brought into our lives. May we carry forward her legacy of kindness and joy as we remember our amazing Gracelyn. 

Gracelyn is survived by her mom and step-dad, Kassi-jo Ziegler and Kyle Tischer; significant other, Owen Cooper of Lake Crystal; siblings, Emma, Kaydyn, Deakin, Finlin, Laila, and Iliza; grandparents, Tony and Heather Ziegler of Lake Crystal, Kevin and Lori Franklin of Butternut, Dan and Jolene Tischer of Vernon Center; great-grandparents, Harold Lanz, Mike Smith, Sue Lanz, Anita Ziegler, Joe Streett, and Wayne and Vivian Tischer; aunts and uncles, Jordan (Whitney) Ziegler of Lake Crystal, Lindsey Ziegler (Jonathan Hunter) of Washington, Haley and Brooks Neagle of Lake Crystal, Mariah Ziegler (Nick Goedtel) of Mankato, Natashlyn Ziegler of Shakopee, Nicole Tischer of Truman, Treylynn (Ian) DeVine of Michigan, Jessica Mcginley, Jeremy Franklin (Angela L) of Lake Crystal, and Summer (Mike) Allen of Lake Crystal; bonus aunt, Lana Schriock of Mankato; very special friends, Johanna, volleyball team, and many, many more. She is also survived by many great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Gracelyn was preceded in death by her brother, Colttin Franklin; biological dad and step-mom, Nathaniel and Tara Franklin; aunt, Izabella Ziegler; great-grandparents, Sandi “Gigi” Smith, Greg Ziegler, Linda Streett, and Sharon (Ernie) Coopman

A celebration of her life will be held from 3-7pm, Friday, June 27, 2025 at The Schroeder Farm, located at 49186 190th Street, Lake Crystal, MN 56055 where we will gather to share stories, laughter, and love in honor of Gracelyn. In alignment with her vibrant spirit, we encourage attendees to wear bright colors that reflect her joyful essence.