Gabriella "Gabby" Rose Zerkel

Gabriella Rose Zerkel was born on October 29, 2013, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton WI, where she spent 21 days in the NICU being lovingly cared for by her amazing team of nurses and doctors. Gabby was born with the gift of Down Syndrome. Gabriella’s name means ‘God is my Strength’ and this would serve as our family’s foundation as Gabby bravely endured a lifelong battle with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe seizure disorder, which her body succumbed to on January 10, 2026, when God carried Gabby back home to heaven.

Our family is wholeheartedly grateful for Gabby’s awesome medical team at St. Vincent Hospital who loved Gabby and put every effort into saving her precious life. A warm hearted thanks to the wonderful caregivers, teachers, and therapists for their gentle kindness they shared with our precious daughter.

Gabby was loved by everyone who knew her. Gabby expressed herself in the most beautiful ways with her sparkly curious eyes and joyous smiles, as Gabby was never able to experience walking or talking – now she is running and playing in Paradise. Gabby’s legacy is one of pure love. Gabby’s soul shone so brightly every moment of her life and now shines more brilliantly than ever in Heaven.

Gabby loved the sunshine, snuggles, and gave the best hugs ever. Gabs loved her like rides with Daddy and taking family walks together along the Fox River. Gabby approached this world with innocence; her pure spirit allowed us to see the world through Gabby’s eyes. Though Gabby was never able to speak, she imparted a divine wisdom through her ability to see people and places with a wondrous appreciation. Thank you God Almighty for the incredible honor and joy it is to be Gabby’s family and to have experienced the pure love she shared.

Gabby’s legacy of love will be carried onward by her loving surviving family; proud parents Brent and Katy Zerkel, her biggest cheerleaders in life – her siblings Noah and Grace, grandparents Kevin and Rosemary Clarke, Don and Sandy Zerkel; uncles Joey and Tommy Clarke, aunt Beth (Kris) Stump; cousins Kyle and Nicole Stump, and Winnie Clarke.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday January 23, 2026, at Wichmann Funeral Home 537 N Superior St. Appleton WI 54911. Visitation will be held from noon – 2pm with a memorial held at 2pm. Deacon Don will be officiating.