Von D. Bornholtz

Von D. Bornholtz, 71 of Sioux City passed away at home on Sunday, May 15, 2022 following a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family.

The funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. Rev. Craig Collison will officiate. There will be a luncheon following the service at Country Celebrations. Visitation with the family present will be from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com

Von was born June 9, 1950 in Sioux City; he was the son of Harold and Viola (Brouwer) Bornholtz. Von grew up in Sioux City and attended Sioux City Schools. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1968 where he played football, basketball and baseball.  He was named to the All-City Team in football. He graduated from Morningside College in 1972 with a degree in Psychology and Physical Education. Von was named Most Valuable Player on the basketball team his senior year. Von played fast pitch softball for many years for Taylor's Tap and Townhouse.

On August 11, 1973, Von married Vicki Mandicino in Sioux City. At the time of his passing, Von and Vicki had been married for 48 years. 

Von worked for The Boys and Girls Home for 26 years, Lawrences Vet Supply for 8 years and for Woodbury County CETA Program for 10 years. Von did officiating for high school football, basketball, and volleyball in the Siouxland area for 43 years. 

Over the years, Von officiated multiple high-school boys, and girls state tournament games. He was inducted into the IHSAA (Iowa Highschool Athletic Association) hall of fame for his officiating in 2004. He was nominated for and was awarded multiple other awards over the course of his officiating career. Additionally, Von volunteered each year at the NAIA Woman’s basketball tournament held in Sioux City. 

Von’s officiating “family” meant the world to him. His family would like to thank all the people he officiated with over the years, aside from his immediate family, officiating and the people he officiated with, were his greatest passion. 

Von had served as President of the Siouxland Athletic Association and the Sertoma Club. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time at the family cabin in Ponca, NE. He also enjoyed family vacations to Star Lake and Woman Lake in Minnesota. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Mayo Clinic, specifically Dr. Timothy Hobday and Dr. Heidi Connolly for helping him be with us for the last 17 years while he fought his cancer. Also, a special thanks to his primary care doctor in Sioux City, Dr. David Ensz. 

Survivors include his wife Vicki of Sioux City; his son Justin Bornholtz (Jessica) of St. Joseph, MO; his daughter Jill Bornholtz (Jeff Uhl) of Sioux City; 6 grandchildren: Kelsie, Kylie, Kaden, Jackson, Jacob, and Jacey; his brother: Carmen Bornholtz (Janice) of Sioux City; his sister: Marlene Vanderloo (Curt) of Merrill, IA; his sister-in-law: Gina Smith (Steve) of LeMars, IA; and his sister-in-law: Diane Mandicino of Sioux City; and several nieces and nephews.  

Von was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Viola Bornholtz, mother and-father-in-law: James and Elma Mandicino, his sister Delores Blades and her husband Jack, brother-in-law Jim Mandicino Jr., brother-in-law Lance Jorgensen, niece Starla Cason, and a nephew Scott Blades. 

Von was a mentor, educator, and role model for countless officials, and young people throughout the Tri-state area. A memorial will be established in Von’s name.