Jeanette Bredeson-Rysavy

Jeanette Bredeson-Rysavy, 88, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, at Edenbrook of Rochester. Jeanette was born July 8, 1935, to Reinhold and Minnie (Weidrich) Miller near Krem, North Dakota. Jeanette attended a rural elementary school, graduated from Hazen High School and attended Minot State College where she met Vernon Glenn Bredeson. After a year of studies at Minot State, Jeanette taught elementary school near Beulah, ND.

Vern and Jeanette were married November 12, 1954, and made their home in Grand Forks, ND where Vern completed his studies in education at the University of North Dakota. Vern and Jeanette moved to McIntosh, MN, Austin, MN and Rochester, MN as Vern pursued his career in teaching. During this time Jeanette focused on raising their children. Jeanette's deep devotion to family ultimately extended to the "family" in her classrooms as well. Jeanette and Vern's children are Gwendolyn Smith (Bruce), Lynn Bredeson (Debbie), Van Bredeson (Katherine), Lonnie Bredeson (Linda Jo) and Holli Bredeson Johnson (Jay). Jeanette has 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

In 1969 Jeanette resumed her college studies at Winona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1972 and a Masters' degree in learning disabilities in 1979. Jeanette taught for 25 years including 9 years serving as the District Coordinator for the Federal Title I Program for Learning Disabilities. Vern passed away on October 21, 1982, at age 53.

Jeanette met Otto George Rysavy while enjoying her pastime of ballroom dancing. Otto and Jeanette married on November 11, 1990, making their home in Owatonna, MN. Jeanette continued her career in teaching, retiring in 1997.

Upon retiring, Jeanette and Otto continued ballroom dancing and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. Jeanette also pursued golf, enjoyed making quilts, worked with stained glass, painted and played pickle ball. Otto passed away on July 10, 2022.

Jeanette attended Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN and served as a Sunday school teacher there. Upon moving to Owatonna, Jeanette joined Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jeanette is survived by her sisters Darlene (Donald) Sailor, Myra McDonald, Gloria Bauer and Vernice Miller. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernon Bredeson, sister Lucille Miller, brother Kenneth Miller, son Van Bredeson, husband Otto Rysavy and daughter Holli Bredeson Johnson.

Jeanette's care was provided by Traditions of Owatonna, Cascade Creek in Rochester, The Waters on Mayowood in Rochester and Edenbrook of Rochester. The family would like to thank the competent and caring staff of each of these facilities and appreciate their commitment in choosing to care for seniors.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday July 1, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester). Visitation will be held from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday June 30, 2024, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW Rochester) as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bredeson-Rysavy family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com