Dorothy Christine "Chris" Branderhorst, the daughter of Gerrit "Bud" and Dorothy (Vande Kieft) Arkema, was born February 26, 1956 in Tracy, Iowa.  Chris attended Tracy Elementary School, Twin Cedars School and was a 1974 graduate of Pella High School.

On October 3, 1974, she was united in marriage to Jerry Branderhorst in Pella. To this union they were blessed with three children: Julie, Rebecca and Michael.

Chris worked as a financial/insurance coordinator for Pella Family Dentistry for the past 21 years and Casey's for more than 25 years.  Chris loved to travel and take pictures to remember her vacations. Europe was a favorite. Chris and Jerry made many trips to Clear Lake, Iowa. She also greatly enjoyed a family vacation to Key West, Florida, last Christmas and was in the process of planning a family trip for later this year. Chris loved spending time in their outdoor living spaces, flower gardening, time on the lake and reading.

Chris was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Jerry and their family:

Julie Wolf

Ava Wolf

Ryker Wolf

Rebecca and Tracey Murray

Joshua Van Donselaar

Briana Van Donselaar

Jacob Van Donselaar

Michael and Carrie Branderhorst

Ashlyn Branderhorst

Isabel Branderhorst

Chris is also survived by her mother Dorothy Vande Kieft; her siblings: Terri and Robert Vander Molen, Cynthia and Fred O'Harra, Steve Arkema; her siblings-in-law:  Ron and Laura Branderhorst, Don and Karen Branderhorst, and David and Christiane Branderhorst.

Chris was preceded in death by her father Gerrit "Bud" Arkema, parents-in-law Marvin and Pauline Branderhorst, and her sister Carolyn Arkema.

Christian Opportunity Center in Pella
1553 Broadway St., Pella IA 50219
Tel: 1-641-628-1162
Web: http://christianopportunity.org/