Obituary: Robert Platt, Long-Serving Federal Judge, Passes Away

Robert Platt, a notable federal judge in Iowa with over two decades of service, passed away on Wednesday due to cardiac arrest at the age of 78. His son, Michael Pratt, shared that his father suffered a heart attack while heading to the gym.

Appointed by former President Bill Clinton in 1997, Platt served on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa for more than 26 years. He was set to retire in 2023, having presided over significant cases, including one related to a sentencing decision upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gall v. United States.

Platt’s obituary highlighted his dedication to “advocating for the weak and the unknown” throughout his legal career. Notably, in 2009, he helped establish the Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony, linking it to an Iowa Cubs baseball game. He welcomed numerous new American citizens at this annual event.

Pratt faced criticism in 2020 for publicly voicing concerns about President Donald Trump’s pardons, later admitting that such remarks were inappropriate for someone in his position. He once remarked that Trump’s pardons often seemed to favor individuals tied to the Republican party or those with grave histories.

In response to complaints about his comments, Platt expressed regret in a letter to Lovensky Smith, the then chief judge of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He acknowledged that his statements could be perceived as partisan and promised to uphold the guidelines for judicial conduct.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Mary, three children, a stepdaughter, and seven grandchildren.