Brian Arnold Brastad

Brian Arnold Brastad passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on August 17, 1937, in Minneapolis, MN, he grew up in the family home on a bend of Minnehaha Creek in Edina, MN and graduated from Edina High School in 1955, and from the University of Minnesota in 1962 with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. During his Electrical Engineering career, he worked on various projects including Atlas Rockets and cardiac pacemakers, earning 3 patents for pacemaker components. After retiring, he took up a hobby from his childhood of building and flying over 30 radio-controlled model airplanes, some of which he designed and built from scratch, including "Tiny," with 6 engines and a 10-foot wingspan. The name Tiny for his huge model airplane is just one example of Brian's ironic send of humor. Always tender-hearted with animals, Brian raised guinea pigs and rescued a baby woodchuck whose mother had died. After marrying his wife of 33 years, Susan L. Pastika, Brian discovered a love of cats, supporting cat rescue organizations and attending the Annual Cat Show in St. Paul for many years. Susan and Brian cared for five cats during their marriage, several named after opera characters. A long-time supporter of the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Public radio, Brian loved music and attended hundreds of concerts and opera over the years. Brian's favorite spot in the world was the family cottage on Holy Island on Long Lake in Wisconsin, where he spent his first birthday and many delightful hours over the years. We like to think he has now returned to that happiest of places for him. Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Susan L. Pastika; cat Isabelle; sister Midge Kinkead; sister-in-law Jana Pastika; brothers-in-law Peter (Diane) and Tim (Lisa) Pastika; nieces Tracy (Todd) Langevin and Lauren Kinkead; great nephew Danny (Noa) Langevin and great nieces Kelly Langevin and Kirsten, Kelsey, and Kaitlyn Moe; former wife Minnie (Geiwitz) Beaverson. He was preceded in death by parents Arnold P. and Kathleen (Collins) Brastad; brother-in-law Robin Kinkead; and cats Loki, Ariel, Olaf, and Tristan. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred o the Minnesota Orchestra, Classical Minnesota Public Radio, or Feline Rescue and Caring for Cats in St. Paul, MN. Services Saturday, March 9th at 1:30PM Lakewood Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave S, MPLS, with visitation one hour prior. Service may be viewed via livestream at: https://vimeo.com/event/4146374 www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Brian Arnold Brastad

August 17, 1937 - March 5, 2024

Tributes

Brian Arnold Brastad

August 17, 1937 - March 5, 2024

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