Robert BLECKER

BLECKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/12/2012 at 11:18:27

October 20, 1925 -- September 10, 1974

Robert Blecker, former Wright County sheriff, founded and organized the first National Safety Rest Stop in 1954.

Clarion, IA - Former Wright County sheriff, Robert Blecker is known for many accomplishments, including his organization of the first national safety rest stop in 1954. The rest stop offered free doughnuts and coffee to motorists traveling during the Labor Day weekend. He also promoted public safety by having lights installed at the blacktop county road intersections.

Blecker died Sept. 10, 1974, at the Belmond Hospital after suffering a stroke. He was 49 years old. Blecker was born in Clarion and attended Clarion schools. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was with the military police. He also served as police chief in Belmond for three years and as Wright County Sheriff for 18 years. He had been a deputy for two years. Blecker owned and operated the Sahara Supper Club in Sheffield at the time of his death. He was a member of the Iowa and National Sheriff's associations, the Wright County Peace Officers, Cyrene Masonic Lodge 325 and Trinity Lutheran Church.