Henry Bornholdt (1867-1929)

BORNHOLDT

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/9/2008 at 19:52:35

HENRY BORNHOLDT 1867-1929
EXPIRES SUDDENLY SATURDAY SEPT 7
Was Serving Third Term as Mayor of Avoca. Lived in county for forty-Five Years.

Henry Bornholdt died at his home in Avoca Saturday afternoon, September 7th, aged 61 years, 11 months, and 28 days. The funeral services were held at the home in the north part of Avoca, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. E. A. Kurtz of the Evangelical Lutheran church officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the family lot in the Avoca cemetery.

Henry Bornholdt was born at Davenport, Iowa, September 9, 1867, where he spent his boyhood and attended the public school of that city until he was 17 years old. In 1884, his parents moved to Pottawattamie County and located on a farm southwest of Avoca where they lived for many years. He was the third of seven sons: George of Hancock; Claus of Melvin, Iowa; Charles who died in January 1929; Bernhardt of Avoca; William of Tennant; and Herman of Exira, Iowa.

March 3, 1889, Mr. Bornholdt was united in marriage to Miss Ida Thies. To this union were born four children: Mrs. Delia Melssen of Coalmont, Colorado; Walter L. of Sioux City, Iowa; and Elmer and Mrs. Ina Vierhus of Avoca who with widow and three grandsons survive him.

For several years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bornholdt lived on the farm west of town until their removal to Avoca about 20 years ago. Since coming to Avoca, Mr. Bornholdt has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business, at which he has been very successful. Five years ago last march he was elected Mayor of our city. After serving his first term successfully he was re-elected for a second term, at the end of the second term he was re-elected for the third term with no opposition.

During his life, Mr. Bornholdt has taken an active part in the political and business life of the community. He was public spirited and progressive and took pride in the office of mayor and in the conduct of the business of that office. Mr. Bornholdt’s mistakes, if he made any, were not made from selfish motives, his motto was “Be sure you are right, then stick to it.” His friends were many. He enjoyed the success of his friends and was ever ready and willing to help those sick or unfortunate. His advice was given freely, when sought by others, and to the best of his ability. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, but wished to play fair with his fellowman. What he had to say he said publicly and honestly from his point of view.

In the death of Henry Bornholdt, the family lost a kind, loving husband and father, the community a good citizen and neighbor. His good deeds in public and private life will live in the kind remembrance of those aided and assisted. His old associates in whose company he spent many happy hours, they will miss him, and his sudden unexpected departure from this life has been a sad blow to them. Just the evening before his death he sat with them, played with then and talked with them. He complained of not feeling well and went home, Dr. Leach taking him home in the car. Arriving at his home he laid down, think he would feel better in a few hours, as he had several times before. Mrs. Bornholdt was not particularly alarmed but as morning drew nearer his condition became worse and a doctor and nurse were called but in spite of all that loving and skilled hands could do nothing as he passed away about three o’clock Saturday afternoon. It was a shock to the entire community as but few knew he was ailing.

The funeral services were the largest attended in Avoca, flags in the business section were placed at half mask and a period of silence for one minute during the service was held in every room of our schools. Had Mr. Bornholdt lived until Monday he would have celebrated his 62nd birthday.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald