Jeanette Risnes

Jeanette Eldred (Rasch) Risnes was born on January 10, 1941 to Eldred Rasch and Dorothy (Doshan) Rasch in Brainerd, Minnesota. As a young girl she enjoyed riding her bicycle to the paper mill to bring her dad his lunch. During high school and junior college, she worked as a telephone operator. She graduated from high school in Brainerd in 1959. Then she attended Brainerd Jr. College and began dating Robert (Bob) Risnes, whom she had known since third grade. Jeanette graduated from Bemidji State University in 1963, and began teaching junior high math in Bovey, Minnesota.

On July 3, 1965, she married Bob Risnes at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN, after which they moved to Illinois, Indiana, and Puerto Rico while Bob served in the Air Force for six years. Jeanette taught in Indiana but became a full-time homemaker once their son Craig was born. The Risneses followed Bob’s employment from South Milwaukee, WI, Erie, PA, to Cudahy, WI, and Medina, OH before returning to Minnesota in 1985 when they moved to Alexandria. This was a move to be closer to family in Brainerd again, after many years where she would drive with Craig cross country in their Custom Cruiser station wagon to see grandparents for extended summer visits. (The car that proudly took Craig to both preschool and college.)

Jeanette was always involved in church wherever they lived, often teaching Vacation Bible School and Release Time. She was also involved in her church circle and Lutheran Church Women. She had great friends from her years involved at Calvary Lutheran Church. She made many friendships in her coffee group that lasted decades. She was a “Scout Mom” when Craig was involved in his youth. When Craig was in high school marching band, she became a “Band Mom” always supporting his interests. This continued with involvement with the Alexandria Band Fest, where she and Bob volunteered as treasurer.

Jeanette was a proud grandmother to Ella and Ana and thoroughly enjoyed being involved in their activities and interests, including very special trips to the American Girl doll store at the Mall of America. She loved shopping, eating out, cross-stitch, watching car races, and traveling. She was involved in many activities until mobility became an issue for her. Jeanette always kept a positive attitude. She will be remembered for her kindness, stories, and great sense of humor.

She will enjoy her first Christmas in heaven with Bob after fifty-five years of marriage, and being separated due to Bob’s death five months ago. Many wonderful memories will remain with her son, Craig, daughter-in-law, Kelli, and granddaughters, Ella and Ana. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Eldred and Dorothy Rasch, her younger brother William (Bill) and her husband, Bob.

In response to the sudden severity of the spread of COVID-19, the family will be having a Private Committal Service at the Veterans Cemetery located at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, MN. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Community Preschool of First Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.