Janet Ann Brixius

Janet Ann Brixius, 85-year-old resident of Pierz MN, passed away at St. Cloud hospital surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Jan died as a result of injuries from a car/pedestrian accident occurring in Pierz on January 13. Jan's strength, courage, and resilience was evident from the time of the accident until her death.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. through 4 p.m. at Frosty's in Pierz, MN. A time for sharing of memories will take place at 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served.



Janet Ann Gross was born on April 12, 1940, in Lastrup, MN to the late Roman and Amelia (Gallek) Gross. Jan attended grade school in Lastrup and then Father Pierz Memorial High School. Upon completion of high school, Jan attended and graduated from St. Cloud Beauty School.

Jan was united in marriage to Roderick (Rod) Brixius on July 11, 1959, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup, MN. The two 19-year-olds, who started dating in high school, began their marriage which lasted 66 years. Jan and Rod's deep love for one another is evident to all who knew them.

They made their home in Lastrup, MN with Rod working at the Brainerd State Hospital. In 1960, daughter Pam was born, with Brenda, a second daughter arriving in 1963. Jan was a homemaker until after her girls began school. She then started her career at the Brainerd State Hospital, retiring at age 60. While working for the State, Jan met many lifelong friends. For the full length of their careers, Jan and Ron would commute to work together, each day talking, planning, and being together during the one-hour round-way trip - no cell phones or other distractions.

After retiring from the state hospital, Jan helped with taking care of grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. Within two years of her retirement, at age 62, she began working at Red's Auto in Pierz, owned by Pam and Red Sitzman (daughter and son-in-law). Although not in an official capacity for the last few years, she worked there until her passing, cooking up "specials" and the world's best wild-rice soup. She was an unofficial store host, often sitting and talking with known patrons and sometimes making brand new friends.

Jan loved music. She shared a birthday with Loretta Lynn, admired and loved Dolly Parton and Ricky Scaggs. Her taste in music ranged from classic country, polka and 50's music to singer Daniel O'Donnell. She enjoyed seeing live performances and made numerous memorable trips to Branson, Missouri to take in shows.

Eleven years ago, Rod had a spinal stroke which caused paralysis. For 45 days without going home, Jan sat by his side in the hospital then Courage-Kenny Rehabilitation Institute until he was able to be discharged to a rehab facility close to home. Jan learned everything needed to care for Rod, now a paraplegic. Doctors said that with good care Rod could expect to live two, maybe up to four, years. It was Jan's care and love that allowed them to have so many more years as a married couple. Not once in eleven years did Jan complain about the unexpected change to their lives or her new role as caregiver. The circumstances reinforced their love and was an example to their family and others of what love is.

Left to cherish her memory is husband Rod; daughter Pam and son-in-law Red Sitzman; daughter Brenda and son-in-law Frank Weber; grandchildren: Kelly Sitzman, Amber (Sitzman) Axtell and husband Nick; Nicolette (Weber) Deal and husband Branden; Shane Weber and wife Rachael; Preston Weber and wife Olivia; 11 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Joanne Gross; special niece Jill Kurtz-Libby; and special cousin Candy.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Amelia; brother Ronnie Gross; sister and brother-in-law, Romelle and John Kurtz.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials which will be used to honor Jan's legacy through donations of toys and children's coats to local area drives.



See full obituary at EmblomBrennyFuneral.com.