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Incident
Sheriff Robert Bornholdt was killed in an automobile crash in Wright County while transporting prisoners to a state facility in southeast Iowa. Sheriff Bornholdt had served with the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office for 10 years before being appointed sheriff in July 1966. He was elected to the position in November 1966, less than one month before he was killed.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Bornholdt gave the O'Brien County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Primghar community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Bornholdt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
O'Brien County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 71 officers lost to accidents in IA, 31.4% of the 226 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 1 officer in IA was lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 50 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 3.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1966, 95 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 43. Of the 69 lost to accidents in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 48; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.5% of these deaths in IA; June holds the most, 16.9%. Wednesdays: 16.9%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at O'Brien County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 226 deaths in IA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
O'Brien County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from O'Brien County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
