Joel D. Bornhoft

Joel Dennis Bornhoft was born on December 11, 1958, in Carroll, Iowa, to Donald and Carmelita (Lynch) Bornhoft. He attended school in the Ar-We-Va district before continuing his education at St. John the Baptist in Arcadia, and later graduated with the Kuemper High School Class of 1977.

Following high school, Joel held a variety of jobs that reflected his strong work ethic and versatility. He drove truck for a time, worked in maintenance at Farmland, owned and operated his own heating and cooling business, and eventually worked at Schmitz’s Appliance in Arcadia.

Joel had a lifelong love for anything with a motor and wheels. He raced motorcycles with his brothers, competed in go-kart racing with his nephews, and served on the pit crew for several racers in Iowa and Nebraska. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed sharing that passion with others.

In addition to racing, Joel loved bowling, playing pool—participating in many leagues over the years—and fishing. He appreciated the camaraderie of others and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Known for his easygoing nature and great sense of humor, Joel could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

Joel passed away on April 29, 2025, at home having attained the age of 66 years, four months and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Carmelita Bornhoft, and his sister-in-law, Vicki Bornhoft.

He is survived by siblings: Michele (Glen) Leiting of Westside, Neil Bornhoft of Westside, and Galen “Barney” (Deb) Bornhoft of Boone; nieces and nephews: Barb (Doug) Broich of Coon Rapids, Nancy (Steve) Dowell of Baldwin City, KS, Stephanie (John) Sharp of Harlan, Jeremy (Cheryl) Leiting of Lincoln, NE, Mark (Hanna) Leiting of Harlan, Trinity Bornhoft of Sac City, Zak (Megan) Bornhoft of Bennett, CO, Sady (Gabe) DeLapp of Wall Lake, Mandy Bornhoft of Des Moines, Brandon (Rachel) Bornhoft of Boone, and Mikaela (Mitchell) Simpson of Webster City; extended family members and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., all at Huebner Funeral Home in Westside. Inurnment will be held in the Westside Cemetery.