John Frances "Jack" Bredt

Obituary of John Frances Bredt
Age 93 of Burnsville passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025.
Jack was born on March 1, 1931 in Minneapolis and grew up there, graduating from Southwest High School in 1949. That year he performed in the school play, participated in the "S" Club and played Baseball, Basketball and Football. He attended the U of M prior to joining the US Air Force. He was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland where he met and married his wife of 69 years, Svala (Dolly) Bredt. From Iceland, they moved to Dover, Delaware until his enlistment was complete, then settled in Minnesota.
Jack had many interests and before his children were born he was very involved in obedience trials with his springer spaniel, Duffer. Many awards were won for both obedience and show.
In 1957 Jack joined a small local airline and began his lifelong career flying passenger jets. He retired in 1991 after 33 years of service to North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines and finally, Northwest Airlines.
His heart though, was always at Big Sandy Lake, a property he purchased as a young man in the early 1950s. It was there that so many of our precious family memories were made. He taught Jeff and Sandy to fish, to waterski and to maneuver the 12-foot Alumacraft. The 2.5 horsepower motor mostly kept them out of trouble. In the winter there was ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Once the grandchildren were born the lodging improved with a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. The granddaughters remember grandpa's famous buttermilk pancakes where they had an eating contest; Shelby won by eating 14 pancakes, a record that has yet to be broken. Perhaps the next generation?
Travel took Jack and Dolly to Iceland for regular trips to see family, London, an Alaskan cruise and many spring getaways to Phoenix, AZ. In retirement they made trips almost annually to Acapulco and Maui.
Alzheimer's took so much from him during the past decade. His car, his cabin, his home. Eventually he wound up in memory care at The Rivers in Burnsville. The loss of independence was the hardest to watch and accept. Frequently, he asked for his wallet, his checkbook and his car keys.
In the end, complications from Influenza A were what ultimately caused his death. He lived a long life full of travel, family and good memories. He was Catholic in his faith and received his last rites, (or anointing of the sick.) We trust he had a smooth transition to heaven to be reunited with family and friends who went before him. If you are so inclined, raise a toast to Jack; he did enjoy his brandy.
He is survived by wife Dolly, his step-brother John (Lori) Norgren, children, Sandra (Jeff) Larson, Jeffrey (Deanna) Bredt, grandchildren Kaylee (Adam) Stawikoski, Shelby (Blaine) Cooper and Madison (Grant) Bredt and 5 great-grandchildren, Carter, Maverick and Brady Borgerson and Carson and Kensley Cooper.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Carl Bredt and Mildred Norgren and brother Karl Bredt.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am on Monday, January 27th
Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville, MN 55337
Visitation 1 hour before Mass
Private interment at a later date