Obituary: Betty Brandhorst

Betty L. Brandhorst, of Cedar Falls, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at UnityPoint Allen Hospital at age 83 years. She was born December 13, 1942 in Waterloo, IA,  the daughter of Everett and Barbara (Tiller) Kern.  

She married Rodger L. Brandhorst on December 2, 1961. They celebrated 63 years of marriage. They had two children: Renae (Jeff) Brobst (Omaha, NE) and Rod (Sheryl) Brandhorst (Cedar Falls, IA).  

Betty gave her life to Jesus at the age of 9, growing up in a Christian home. Most of her career was with KNWS (Life 101.9) Christian radio, with a great love of the ministry. She was  also a teacher for both Waterloo Christian School (formerly Walnut Ridge Baptist Academy) and  Valley Lutheran. She also was a speaker for Christian Woman’s Club for 15 years.  

Betty loved cardinals, fishing and her sunroom, along with anything to do with crafts, crossword and tabletop puzzles, making greeting cards, painting, embroidery, etc. Betty loved her family most of all!  

Survivors include her loving children, Renae (Jeff) Brobst (Omaha, NE) and Rod (Sheryl)  Brandhorst (Cedar Falls, IA); six grandchildren, Nathan (Ren) Brobst (Omaha, NE), Nick (Anna)  Brobst (Omaha, NE), Liz Hostert (Waterloo, IA), Zach (Lauren) Brobst (Omaha, NE), Tori  Brandhorst (Johnson City, TN) and Josh (Alli) Brobst (Omaha, NE). Included in these families are eleven great-grandchildren. Also, two brothers, Roger Kern (Rockford, IL) and Roy (Becky)  Kern (Republic, MO). 

Betty is preceded in in death by her husband, Rodger; parents, Everett and Barbara (Tiller) Kern; brother, and sister-in-law, Richard and Charlene Kern; and sister-in-law, Rita Zilmer.  

Visitation will be held at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home at 10:00-11:00 AM on Friday, January 9th with the memorial service to follow.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family, as memorials have already been chosen.