Cristin Renee Burnett

Cristin Renee Burnett, 56, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2026.

Cristin was born on May 10, 1970, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Ray and Joan (Petrich) Burnett. The youngest of three children, she grew up in Brainerd alongside her older siblings, Charles and Caralyn. She graduated from Brainerd High School in 1988, where she was a member of the state-championship-winning Kixters dance team. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1992, completing her studies as a member of the Honors Program, and her law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1996. During law school, she also spent a semester studying abroad in Ireland.

Cristin spent much of her legal career working in banking and regulatory compliance, including positions at McGladrey, KleinBank, and Wells Fargo. Wanting to make a difference in people’s lives, she later moved into public service. She worked as a Community Development Attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid before becoming Housing Operations Director at NRRC Financial, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing and supporting community development in North Minneapolis. She was passionate about the organization’s mission and continued this work until her death.

On October 8, 2005, Cristin married Jonathan Brauer in a ceremony at their home in St. Louis Park. Together, they built a life and family centered on their beloved son, Norton. Cristin was a devoted mother, and she took pride in watching Norton grow and pursue his own interests, including running, which they shared.

Cristin herself was an accomplished runner, having taken up the sport shortly after graduating from law school. Over the years, she completed numerous races, including Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, the Twin Cities Marathon, and the Big Sur International Marathon. She also ran the Madison Half Marathon alongside her sister-in-law and niece, and carried baby Norton the last few steps across the finish line.

Cristin was also a lifelong animal lover, and her dogs were always cherished members of her family: Scooter in her childhood, then Penny, a golden retriever and her first dog as an adult, and, later, Hank and little Boots.

Cristin had a gift for making people feel loved and cared for. She was a talented gardener who spent countless hours transforming her backyard into a beautiful retreat and lovingly maintaining the gardens at her childhood home, continuing the care her father had given them.

She was equally gifted at making a house feel like a home, especially during the holidays. From the handmade Christmas stockings she created for family members to the towering assortments of homemade cookies and her famously buttery Christmas quiche, Cristin made every celebration special.

A wonderful host, she was also a thoughtful and instinctive gift-giver, and someone who put care into everything she did for others. She brought people together, organizing her circle of close friends for mahjong, pickleball, walks in the park, political events, and trips to up-north cabins with Norton, his friends, and their families. Her friendships were among the great joys of her life, and she nurtured them as she did her family.

Above all, Cristin was devoted to her family. Although she was the youngest of three, she was affectionately considered the “big sister” because of the way she looked after her siblings, just as she did for everyone she loved. She adored her nieces and nephews, and, following her father’s passing, she cared for her mother and the family home. Her generosity, thoughtfulness, and unwavering devotion to those closest to her will be deeply missed.

Cristin is survived by her husband, JB Brauer; their son, Norton; her mother, Joan Burnett; her brother, Charles Burnett (Vicki Luxton); her sister, Caralyn Burnett (Colin Mather); her sister-in-law, Lisa Burke (Terry); and her nieces and nephews: Emma, Jen-Li, Owen, Dylan, Alaina, Rachel, Bridget, Connor, and Lily. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Burnett, in 2015; her maternal grandparents, Albert and Ruth Petrich; and her paternal grandparents, Charles and Irene Burnett.

A celebration of Cristin’s life will be held on Sunday, November 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. CST at Gale Woods Farm Pavilion in Minnetrista, offering family and friends a chance to gather, share memories, and find peace in one another’s presence. A program of remarks and remembrances will begin at 3 p.m., followed by an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share a memory or say a few words about Cristin. The family would also be grateful if you’d share a favorite story or photos under “Tributes” below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NRRC Financial in Cristin’s memory, honoring her dedication to expanding homeownership and financial opportunity in North Minneapolis. Donations may be made online here.