Christopher J Ellerbroek was born in Storm Lake on Dec. 7, 1954, and passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn.
He was a beloved member of the medical community, beginning his career as a teenage orderly in Cherokee and practicing for many years as a radiologist in Des Moines, Ames and Pella. He was a trained pediatric radiologist and had a passion for diagnosing and preventing child abuse.
Chris was a fierce athletic competitor from his early days as a Cherokee Brave. A two-sport athlete at Cornell College (football and soccer), he was a fervent lifelong supporter of both the Rams and his medical school alma mater Iowa Hawkeyes. Chris loved to travel and was an avid fisherman. He was also a talented writer, authoring numerous short stories and clever, poignant poems.
Chris will be remembered for his humor, kindness, intelligence and prowess in the kitchen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Hagerstrand Ellerbroek and Vernon John Ellerbroek, and a brother Gregory J Ellerbroek.
He is survived by his children: Charlie Ellerbroek (Colette), Rebecca Ellerbroek (Evan Luthye) and Joseph Ellerbroek (Caroline Schoonover); grandchildren, Willow and Barrett Luthye; and sisters, Cynthia Leisinger and Laurie Krause; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service is planned. Memorial donations in his honor can be made to Cornell College, Office of Advancement, 600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098.
