Former Keokuk Mayor Dave Gudgel died Saturday night at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
He was 63 years old at the time of his death.
Gudgel served four terms as Mayor of Keokuk (2001-2009).
He was instrumental in the creation of the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority and in the construction of the Rand Park Pavilion.
Current Mayor Tom Marion said, via telephone Sunday afternoon, that hearing the news was pretty tough.
He says Gudgel was "one of my best friends," adding that he met his wife, Debbie, through Gudgel.
Gudgel announced, while in office in July 2005, that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
An official cause of death is not known at this time.
A visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 19 (4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.) at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk. Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, Sept. 20 at the same location.
DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers is in charge of arrangements. An online obituary is available here.
