For nearly 50 years, Lori Branderhorst had a hand in everything parks and recreation related in Fort Dodge.

Programming for the pools? No problem. Aquatics were an early specialty for her. Lakeside Municipal Golf Course? Branderhorst understood the wants and needs of local golfers. Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex? She was adept at managing baseball and softball programs. In fact, her most notable achievement was securing the girls state softball tournament in Fort Dodge through 2045. She played the key role in sealing that deal with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union last year.

That track record of accomplishment is coming to an end.

Branderhorst, the city’s recreation director, will retire on Tuesday.

Just as notable as her long list of accomplishments is her lengthy tenure as a city employee. She started on April 1, 1980. That means she served the people of Fort Dodge for 46 years.

At present, she is the longest serving city employee.

Few city staffers come close to Branderhorst’s tenure. Perhaps the closest was Laurie Hotz, the youth services librarian, who had worked for the city for 42 years when she retired last year.

Branderhorst held increasingly responsible positions during her career, including program supervisor and recreation superintendent. She then became director, first of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and then of the Recreation Services Department.

Branderhorst has truly had a long career, full of accomplishments. And who has benefited from that? Golfers, swimmers, softball players, kids shooting hoops, little ones scrambling over playground fixtures and older folks just strolling in the parks. It is incredible that one person could touch the lives of so many.

Thank you, Lori.