Drake Zachary Janz

Drake Zachary Janz, 13-month-old son of Samantha “Sam” and Zach Janz died unexpectedly, Sunday, July 31^st at Essentia St. Mary’s with his family by his side.  Drake was born June 26, 2021, in Duluth.

      Besides his parents, Sam and Zach, Drake is survived by his grandparents, Steve and Kari Janz and Steve and Sharon Lafontaine; great grandmother, Joan Lafontaine; aunts and uncles, Natalie and Jon Beckstrand, Brittani and Nick Rosenberg and Katie (Ben) Lafontaine and many loving cousins. 

            Drake was a happy little boy who was always moving.  He loved to jump, first when being held, then in his jumper where he would jump for what seemed like hours before tiring.  He had just started to stand up with furniture and would jump constantly then too.  He used his left hand mostly and was always tapping whatever was near him with it as if it was to his own beat.  He had the most contagious giggle and loved to play peekaboo and many other made up games with Mama and Daddy. He was so curious and seemed to learn how to do things on the fly.

            Drake was an amazing eater.  He loved all food, especially bananas, zucchini and pumpkin.  Whenever anyone was eating near Drake, he was always asking to try some food from your plate and he liked most everything. 

            Drake loved music.  He would crawl into any room playing music to see where it came from and would bounce to the sound of it.  His favorite TV show was Bubble Guppies and he would just zone into the show any time it was on. 

            Drake had the most heart warming smile. He used it almost every occasion he could, it seemed. Between his lovely red hair, his deep-blue eyes and his smile, it made for a difficult time for Mama and Daddy to be stern with him- as he would always flash that smile when he was doing something mischievous.

            Drake will forever be missed by all his wonderful family and friends.  He was a beautiful boy who was the light of his Mama and Daddy’s lives. 

          Visitation will be at Dougherty Funeral Home Tuesday, August 9th, 5-7pm.

          Services will be at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church Wednesday, August 10th, at 11am with lunch to follow.

          Please sign the online register book at, www.dfhduluth.com.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the family for Drake’s medical expenses, c/o Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2^nd St. Duluth, MN 55805, (218) 727-3555.