Grace Elizabeth Loper was born in Minneapolis on Sept. 3, 2003. She was baptized the same day by her grandfather, the Rev. Jerald Loper.

Grace died in her mother’s arms on Nov. 8, 2003, at home. Grace was laid to rest on Nov. 10 in Hastings.

Although Grace was born with a rare and fatal genetic condition, her family is thankful for the time she was in their care.

Left to mourn her death are her parents: Stephen and Cathy Loper of Eden Prairie; her brother, Benjamin; her grandparents: Jerald and Elizabeth Loper of Albert Lea, and Duane and Barb Groth of Hastings; her aunts: Melissa Loper of Apple Valley, and Debbie Carlson of Hastings; uncle, Rick Carlson; nephews: Jack and Joe Carlson of Hastings; maternal great-grandmothers: Adele Groth and Irene Schaar of Hastings; and many other relatives and friends.