Iowa Flags Lowered to Honor Late Federal Judge Robert W. Pratt

Governor Kim Reynolds orders flags at half-staff to remember the former U.S. Southern District of Iowa judge.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:47am

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Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Robert W. Pratt, a former lawyer and federal judge who served in the U.S. Southern District of Iowa from 1997 to 2023. Judge Pratt passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 78.

Why it matters

Judge Pratt served on the federal bench for over 25 years, presiding over many high-profile cases in Iowa. His death marks the end of an era, and the lowering of flags is a solemn tribute to his distinguished legal career and service to the state.

The details

Flags will be lowered to half-staff on the State Capitol Building, on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout Iowa. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to also fly flags at half-staff as a sign of respect.

  • Flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The Governor of Iowa who ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff.

Robert W. Pratt

A former lawyer and federal judge who served in the U.S. Southern District of Iowa from 1997 to 2023, and passed away on January 28, 2026 at the age of 78.

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The takeaway

The lowering of flags to honor Judge Pratt's legacy is a solemn recognition of his decades of service on the federal bench and his impact on the legal landscape in Iowa.