Janet M. Brettmann

Janet Marie Brettmann passed away peacefully at the Lodge at Whispering Pines Assisted Living in Plover, WI, on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Janet was born December 2, 1941, the daughter of the late Edward and Florine (Steege) Brettmann, in Elmhurst, Illinois.  Growing up, Janet’s family spent their summers and weekends at the family farm in Wisconsin.  Her time spent there instilled in her a passion for helping others, the values of family, and the joy of storytelling (along with some great opportunities to collect experiences on which her stories were based).

After graduating from York Senior High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, Janet studied at Elmhurst University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and then obtained a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, in educational administration.  Janet taught fifth grade at Jackson Elementary School in Elmhurst for 38 years.  She instilled in her students the importance of education and inspired many students to further their education and pursue careers that would help others.  Her students remember her for her zeal for storytelling – telling stories of her family’s many adventures on their farm – and often getting far off track from the original lesson!

When Janet wasn’t teaching, she could be found on her family’s farm in Central Wisconsin.  She spent her summers there with her parents, siblings, and their families, along with the many friends and relatives who made visiting the family farm part of their annual traditions.  Janet so enjoyed her time there that she moved to Central Wisconsin permanently upon her retirement.

Forever a storyteller, Janet never met a stranger and enjoyed conversing with anyone in need of a smile.  You could often find her telling a story while she worked on one of her craft projects.  Janet loved to craft and especially enjoyed knitting, ceramics, and wood chip carving.  Her knitted and crocheted blankets became legendary and can be found in living rooms across the country.  She also knitted items for church missions and babies as she enjoyed sharing her talent with others.  Her generosity was her way of showing her love and creating crafts for others allowed her to do just that, along with the occasional “shop ‘til you drop” trips to local stores where she always seemed to find a bargain on craft supplies or items to buy for others.

Janet is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Mike Copas of Plainfield, WI; and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Brettmann of Seattle, WA.  Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.  In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Brettmann and Kenneth Brettmann, along with her grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the loving care that Janet received at The Lodge at Whispering Pines.

A private family burial and celebration of life will be held.  In lieu of flowers, an educational memorial will be established in Janet’s name