Sofia Camille Minelli

Sofia Camille Minelli, 8, of Kasson, died peacefully at home with her parents by her side on September 11, 2015 due to an inoperable brain tumor, DIPG. Sofia was surrounded by loved ones and visitors in the days and weeks prior to passing. She touched many people with her kindness, bravery, determination and smiles.

Sofia was born on March 26, 2007 in Rochester, MN to Mario and Carin (Cooper) Minelli. She enjoyed riding her bike, visiting parks, spending time with friends and cousins, reading chapter books, being with family at the lake, and waking up early with a big smile on her face.

She looked up to her brother, Jace, and followed him around to football games, wrestling matches and track meets where she could play with other little girls doing what little girls do. She enjoyed cuddling up with her brother to watch Mermaids H2O and to play Hay Day on the iPod. Most of her spare time was spent baking or playing a game with mom or dad. During her 6 month illness, she discovered a love for the garden through picking carrots and digging for potatoes with help from grandma and grandpa.

Sofia loved attending K-M Elementary School where art and Phy Ed were her favorite subjects. She was proud but not boastful of her hard work and athletic ability. She thrived on doing her best and looked forward to the pacer test and track & field day. Her brother (and coach) helped her excel at pull-ups and sit-ups and even taught her some wrestling moves. Her favorite pastime was drawing after school and on Saturday mornings.

Sofia was an exceptionally kind and compassionate girl. She was a good friend to many. She loved all animals, especially Pickles, her frog, and Percy the family dog. Sofia's spirit was full of joy and her most memorable attribute was her radiant smile that she was always willing to share.

Sofia is survived by her loving parents, Mario and Carin Minelli of Kasson; older brother, Jace; maternal grandparents, Greg and Chris Cooper of Dodge Center; great-grandmother, Delphine Fate of Claremont; godparents (aunt & uncle) Andrea and Michael Ellingson of Dodge Center; and many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ernest and Audrie Minelli.

The family would like to express a sincere gratitude to friends, family, neighbors and the entire community for the tremendous amount of ongoing support.

Memorials are preferred for DIPG research and can be directed to the Sofia Minelli Fund at Bremer Bank, 109 Mantorville Ave S, Kasson, MN 55944.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th at Community Celebration Church (27401 County Highway 34, Kasson MN 55944). The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18th at Community Celebration Church. A burial service will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Wasioja, MN.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home 25 South Street in Dodge Center is in charge of arrangements. www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com

Blessed be her memory.