A Memory Quilt
A Lifetime of Love
The beginnings of this memory quilt were discovered in a box following the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Jan Bradtmueller. As a long time quilter and gifted seamstress, Jan lovingly crafted clothing not only for herself and her children, but also for extended family and friends. She passed down her skills, teaching each of her daughters; Christie, Carla and Vicki; to also sew their own garments.
Every piece of fabric in this quilt holds the memory of a cherished maternity top, a long Easter dress, tiny doll clothes, cozy pajamas, or a proudly completed 4-H project. These garments were sewn by Jan; her grandmother, Christine Busse; her mother, Velma Busse; her mother-in-law, Louise Bradtmueller; and her daughters—each stitch a reflection of love, tradition, and the creative spirit of the women in our family.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the quilters who brought this creation to life. A labor of love that our family will treasure for generations to come.
Otto Bradtmueller, Christie Biddlecome, Carla Fritz, Vicki Fitzgerald, Mark and Brian Bradtmueller
You can view this beautiful work of art hanging in our staircase. Each unique scrap of cloth has been numbered and labeled below with a memory. Our quilters meet every Thursday in the Cornerstone Room from 9 am - 3 pm. If you love to quilt or have always wanted to learn how, join them! They would be delighted to include you in their current project.
1. A sundress Carla made while she was in high school
2. A top Vicki made in Home Ec class
3. A blouse Jan made for Carla
4. Dress Christie made for 4-H project
5. Another 4-H dress Christie made
6. A maternity top Jan made while pregnant for Carla
7. 4-H dress made by Carla
8. Dress made and worn by Louise Bradtmueller
9. Dress Jan made for herself in her early years of marriage
10. Maternity dress Jan made and wore while pregnant for Mark and Brian
11. Feed sack material from Grandma Busse
12. Grandma Christine Busse’s apron
13. Grandma Louise Bradtmueller’s dress
14. Pajamas made for Jan by Grandma Christine Busse
15. A smocked sundress Jan made for Carla
16. Material gifted by Roger Linker made into a long Easter dress for Vicki
17. A maternity dress Jan made from her granddaughter, Shannon Biddlecome
18. Skirt and matching top Vicki made for a 4-H project
19. A dress Vicki made for Jennifer Bradtmueller
20. A dress Jan made for herself
21. A dress Jan made for her niece, Karen Busse
22. Clothes Grandma Christine Busse made for Jan’s dolls
23. A dress Jan made for Carla when she was 3 years old
24. Matching Culottes for Jan and Vicki
25. Christie’s apron she made for 4-H project
26. A sundress Vicki made for a 4-H project
27. A blouse Vicki made
28. Fabric gifted by family friend Dale Kelly
29. An outfit Christie made for herself
30. Shorts Carla made for herself
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