Eugenie Brandhorst

Eugenie May “Genie” Brandhorst (1937-2016) Eugenie May Dorr was born on September 28, 1937 as the oldest of 9 siblings in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to the ranching family of Elmer James and Frances May Dorr. She attended Steamboat Springs High School and graduated in 1955. She attended Cottey College. She married Robert Alvin Brandhorst on June 10, 1956. Genie retired from Mesa County School District 51 in 1994, after a 21-year career as a cook and kitchen manager at Fruita Junior High School, Loma Elementary and Appleton Elementary. Genie was active in her retirement years volunteering with Share Colorado, Salvation Army, Fruita Thrift Shop, Mesa County RSVP and many other local charities. She was a member of PEO chapter AQ, Federated Women’s Club and Daughters of the American Revolution. Genie was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Messiah, cooking for many of the Lenten soup suppers and summer camps. Genie was a patron of the arts, attending many local plays and concerts. She was an avid collector of many things and liked reading, family history, puzzle solving and playing cards. She was well travelled, spending time in Europe, New Zealand, Fiji and Australia. She especially enjoyed RV camping and was proud of camping all over the United States. She relished camping at Arrowhead, near Gunnison, with family and friends. Recent winters were spent living in Yuma, AZ. Genie is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Brandhorst, father Elmer Dorr, mother Frances (Dorr) Wheeler, stepfather George Wheeler, and brothers Jim Dorr, Ted Dorr, Newt Dorr, Mike Dorr and Fred Dorr. Genie is survived by her children Shirley (Kim) Robinson of Fruita, Thomas (Deborah) Brandhorst of Aurora and Robert Brandhorst of Grand Junction; siblings Peggy Carpenter of Idalia, Bob Dorr of Nucla, Hattie Yeager of Steamboat Springs, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Lutheran Church of Messiah, Grand Junction on Saturday September 17th at 1pm. Contributions to the charity of your choice.