Janet Marie Brautigam

Janet Marie Brautigam (née Meyer), age 93, of New Prague, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN to Lloyd and Marie Meyer. Janet grew up in Minneapolis, attended Roosevelt High School, and later graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. On June 30, 1951, she married the love of her life, Robert ("Bob") Brautigam. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three children - Wade, Joran, and Todd - and enjoying 65 years of marriage until Bob's passing in 2016. Janet's career reflected her creativity, teaching spirit, and love for cooking. She began her work at Northern States Power (NSP), helping homemakers learn how to use new appliances, and even introduced the microwave to Minnesota. In 1961, she hosted her own cooking program on Channel 2, Tea at Three. From 1963 to 1973, she taught adult evening cooking classes at local schools, where her classes were so popular there was a waiting list! She later worked for Winona Interviewing Service and served as a guest speaker for schools and colleges throughout Minnesota. In 1973, Janet purchased a former parsonage in Bloomington, transforming it into "The Parsonage for Receptions." For more than two decades, she poured her heart and talents into creating a welcoming space for weddings and events, helping countless couples celebrate one of the most important days of their lives. In 1996, she sold the business to her daughter Jorie and then-husband Mark, leaving a lasting legacy in the hospitality industry. The Parsonage also gave rise to successful spinoff businesses, including A la Carte Catering, The Abbey Wedding Store, and Abbey Limo. Janet and Bob made their home in several places across Minnesota and Florida, eventually settling for 31 years in Bloomington, where they raised their children, before building their cherished lake home on Cedar Lake in New Prague in 1990. They lived there together until 2014, enjoying lake life and family gatherings. Outside of her career, Janet lived a full and adventurous life. She and Bob traveled extensively, visiting 23 countries and 48 states. She even took flying lessons, served actively in the Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years, and wrote a wedding column for Edina and Bloomington magazines. Janet also dedicated time to serving with the "Caring Hands" program at Fort Snelling. Janet will be remembered for her warm personality, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of family. She touched many lives through her teaching, her creativity, and her generosity of heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Marie Meyer; her husband, Bob; and her sister, Juliann. Janet is survived by her children Wade (Cheryl), Joran (Jack), Todd (Barb), and Mark Heder; grandchildren Marin (Sam), Serraya, Dayna (Steve), Bobbie (Mitch), Savanna (Derek), Meghan (Peter), Tom, Cal (Grace), Adam, and Sonna; and great-grandchildren Raina, Parker, James, Perrin, Benjamin, Levi, and Kellen. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Washburn-McReavy, 2300 West Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow, with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and honor Janet's life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation in her memory. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers Bloomington Chapel 952-884-8145

Tributes

Janet Marie Brautigam

February 9, 1932 - September 22, 2025

Tributes

Janet Marie Brautigam

February 9, 1932 - September 22, 2025

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