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1947 - 2024

BORN

1947

DIED

2024

About

University High School Illinois State University

Janet Bremner Obituary

Janet Bremner

April 6, 1947 - December 28, 2024

Janet Luan (Monninger) Bremner passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024 at her home in Mackinaw, Ill., after a courageous battle with appendiceal cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by love and comfort, holding on with remarkable strength to welcome the arrival of her first grandchild, born just days before her passing.

Janet is survived by her mother, Eleanor Monninger; her two brothers, Jim (Andrea) Monninger and Andy (Diana) Monninger; her son, Robert (Michelle) Bremner; her daughter, Kelsey (Philip) Walker; and her granddaughter, Lyla Walker. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Monninger; and her beloved husband of 51 years, Richard Bremner.

Born on April 6, 1947 in Macomb, Ill., Janet grew up in Normal, Ill., where she graduated from University High School in 1965. She earned both a Bachelor's degree in physical education and a Master's degree in dance from Illinois State University. She retired as the director of human resources at ISU after a career of more than 30 years in the department. In retirement, Janet found purpose as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, serving for a decade on hurricane disaster relief efforts in various locations across the country.

Janet was a compassionate and vibrant woman whose pastimes included painting, puzzling, mixed media art, writing, and dance. She was a local pickle ball champion, a lover of the great outdoors, and frequent traveler. When closer to home, she liked to spend time at the Mackinaw River and working in her garden. Above all, Janet will be most fondly remembered for her boundless curiosity, playful spirit, and profound love she shared with family and friends. She is simply irreplaceable and will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

A celebration of Janet's life will take place in Bloomington, Ill., in early spring 2025.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Jan. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Bremner

15 Entries

Susan Polley Burge

April 5, 2025

My heartfelt sympathy to Janet's family. I met Janet my senior year of high school as a new student to U High. My family moved to Normal so my parents could do graduate work at ISU. It was hard to leave my friends, hometown and school I had known for most of my life. Janet greeted me with a friendly smile and hello. Her kindness made my transition easier. As I saw her at reunions and on Facebook, I admired her leadership and life of caring for others and the world around her. She made life a better place for so many. Blessings to you as you honor her life and legacy.

Dee Thompson

January 22, 2025

To Bo and Kelsey, I remember your family with fond memories of our times together. My sympathies are with your families.

Roger Shoup

January 14, 2025

Good bye to an old Metcalf school mate

Melanie

January 10, 2025

My condolences to the family. I met Jan in dance class at ISU in 1974. She helped me choreograph my first staged performance. We partnered again in the late 70s, dancing on streets and stages. A wonderful, caring lady. I miss her. Melanie

Steve and Pam Yarnall

January 10, 2025

I came to know Rick and Jan as very caring and dedicated parents who supported the school district when Bo was a student in my building. They were both always positive and friendly. Our condolences on your loss!

Gay Birky

January 10, 2025

Saddened to hear of Jan´s passing. I got to know her when we both worked together in the HR Office at ISU at the beginning of her career. We had a lot of fun together and with all our colleagues. It was a great place to work and Jan certainly played a role in making that so. My condolences to the family...I know she will be greatly missed.

John & Sherri Osterman

January 9, 2025

I first met Janet when Sherri and I moved to Heritage Lake 19 years ago. She was working at the Heritage Lake office and I stop by probably to pick up our stickers for our vehicles. I enjoyed visiting with her at the office and a few years later Sherri got to meet her on the Pickleball court by the lodge. She was a treasure to know. Rest in Peace Janet.

Linda Shipman

January 9, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss, Eleanor, Jim, and Andrea. She was a special person just like all of you.

Elaine Thoennes

January 9, 2025

I remember Janet fondly from our days at ISU. My heartfelt sympathies to the family.

Lynda Bahnsen

January 9, 2025

I only knew Janet through pickleball, but it was a blessing to know her. She was such a bright light to those around her with her positive attitude and friendliness. I will miss her. Rest in Peace, Janet.

Paula Griffith Hayden

January 9, 2025

Rest in peace. Condolences to her loved ones for her loss.

Deb Shaw

January 8, 2025

Met her with her husband Rick and loved our games of pickleball!!

Lois Cole Bigham

January 8, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. I am a cousin and never really got to know Janet, but I´m sure she was a delightful lady. Sending love and prayers to her family.

Sally Burmeister

January 7, 2025

Janet, we will not be the same without you...we do have a lot of wonderful memories from our 70+ years of knowing you and having you as a friend. Our friends' circle was so lucky to spend time with you in Normal in September....you always made us laugh! Janet and Rick made the perfect couple....who knew that three of us would marry men who were frat brothers!