Ronald L. Branderhorst

Ron Branderhorst: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. Ronald L. Branderhorst, age 70 of Monroe, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines just ½ hour before his 71st birthday. Celebration of life services will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 3:00 PM at the Otley Reformed Church in Otley. The family will be present following the service from 4:00 - 7:00 PM to greet friends at the church. Memorials may be given to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Angel Tree Ministries or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com. To know Ron was to know a man of strong faith with a wonderful sense of humor and great quick wit. Born May 5, 1940 to Gysbert C. Branderhorst and Gertrude Wilma Van Zee Branderhorst he spent all of his life in the Monroe and Prairie City areas. On December 15, 1961, he married Sharon (Shary) Bandstra. They would have been married 50 years in December. Their long and happy marriage was filled with much laughter and many, many visits with family and friends. Ron loved having people stop by a...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

d share a cup of coffee with him. Ron and Shary were the parents of 3 children: Bryan Lee Branderhorst (Deb Elrod); Sharyl Lynn Fosenburg; and Kristy Ann Wichhart (Dan). He was also the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Staci Lynn and Joshua David Fosenburg; Chelsey Mae, Breanna Rae, Josie Lee and Gavin Lee Branderhorst; Ryan Ray and Kara Grace Wichhart and a special family friend, Zack Schrock. His greatest joy was seeing them drive on the yard and coming in to chat for awhile . . . the longer the better. Ron graduated from Monroe High School in 1958 and attended one year at Central College. He began farming after graduation and that continued to be his life long career. He was a member of the Otley Reformed Church. During his bout with cancer, Ron showed such courage and shared with his family and others what his faith in Christ meant to him. He taught us all how to face life's obstacles with faith, determination, courage, and humor. His greatest past time was listening to the Gaithers and others sing gospel music. The next time you think of Ron, remember his ornery smile, his storytelling, and the humor he added to every event.