Janet Braatz

JANET KAY BRAATZ
May 31, 1943 - September 2, 2026

Janet Kay Richards was born May 31, 1943, in St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois to Alvin and Anna (Refine) Richards. When Janet was six months old, the family returned to Springfield, Illinois where she spent the rest of her childhood. In 1961 she graduated from Springfield High School.

On June 6, 1974, Jan was ordained a pastor in The Salvation Army and commissioned a Lieutenant. She served as Secretary to the Principal of the School for Officers' Training and a Training Officer from 1974-1978. Jan was then transferred by The Salvation Army to Lansing, Michigan the summer of 1978 where she served as the Pastor of the Windsor Corps Community Center.

Shortly thereafter, Jan met the love of her life, Charles Earl Braatz. On January 23, 1980 they were married in St. Joseph, Missouri. They were married for 46 years.

Chuck and Jan walked together through the doors of Woodview Church of the Nazarene in Lansing in 1999 and became life-long Nazarenes. After a brief time of studies, the Church of the Nazarene recognized Janet's ordination from The Salvation Army and bestowed upon her Elder Orders in the Church of the Nazarene. She then served as a Pastor of the Kendon Drive Church of the Nazarene for 5 years. Jan was also a Secretary/Receptionist for the State of Michigan, Department of Community Health, retiring in 2000.

Janet entered Heaven's gates on September 2, 2026. She is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Braatz; her step-son, Van Alan (Leigh) Braatz; and her granddaughters, Taylor Braatz and Logan Braatz; and her sister, Wilma (David) Heineman and many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Ronald, Kenneth, Alvin and William Richards, 2 sisters, Pat Dorr and Judy Unthank.

The family would like to thank Rosewood AFC of DeWitt, Holt Senior Care Center and Optimal Health for their compassionate care over the last year.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Woodview Church of Nazarene on 1500 E. State Rd., Lansing, Michigan, 48906, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com