Janet Marie Burmeister

It is with greatest sorrow and the heaviest of broken hearts that we formally announce the passing of our beloved (b. June 11, 1953 - d. January 27, 2025) from complications related to a glioblastoma. The diagnosis in October 2024 was sudden, and though the battle was mighty, three months later, held by her children and family, Janet peacefully transitioned to eternity. We grieve heavily, but Heaven celebrates as her father, Bernard “Jim” Jageilski, the love of her life, Bill Burmeister, and firstborn son, Brian Kawa, welcomed Janet to her eternal home.

We cry in sorrow and shed tears of laughter, remembering the joy and exuberance Janet held for life and those she loved. With Janet, there was never a shadow of doubt. When she loved you, you knew it; she radiated that love.

Her faith and commitment to God was paramount. When she said, “ I’ll pray for you,” she meant it.

To say she was kind is an understatement.

Janet would feed you physically and spiritually. She cherished her community, friends, and neighbors and was the very definition of a caregiver.

She found great joy in celebrating daily life with family, gardening, volunteering for her church (especially the food pantry), going to the movies with friends, losing herself among the aisles of TJ Maxx and Costco, and browsing the local mission stores.

Janet called her mother, Marie Jagielski, every night. She was a fantastic daughter, an amazing sister, and an unbelievable mother - even to her children’s spouses and friends. She was a Mom to all.

This painful hole in our hearts seems neverending, but if we close our eyes and listen, there’s a vivacious laugh on the breeze that could only belong to the amazing Janet Marie Burmeister. We think of her when the colors dance in the sky, in auroras and rainbows.

We know she’s with us when birds sing, and the butterflies flit upon the peonies. Every moment she is with us, and for that, we celebrate.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Andrea Fera (h. Tony Fera - s. Brycen, d. Jenison) of CT, and son, James Kawa (w. Desirée Mejia Kawa, d. Phoenix) of CA, mother, Maria Jagielski (h. the late Bernard Jagielski), sister, Sharon Muczinski (h. Gene Muczinski - s. David Muczinski, d. Tammy Risdale), brother Dennis Jagielski (w. Cathy Jagielski, d. Amy Mayer, d. Kristin Fournier, s. Mike Jagielski), and best friends Nancy Deering and Mary Bell.

She is preceded in death by her son Brian Kawa (w. Jenny Kawa of KY) and beloved husband Bill Burmeister (and relatives).

Please join us on Sunday, June 15, 2025 for a heartwarming memorial service at Janet’s home church, Bethany Lutheran Church, 220 Nagonaba St, Northport, Michigan, at 12:30 PM. A gathering for family and friends will follow at Fischer ’s Happy Hour Tavern, 7100 N Manitou Trail, Northport, Michigan, at 2:30 PM.