DAVENPORT, Iowa — After a long battle with cancer, Iowa Senator Dr. Joe Seng from Davenport has passed away.
The death of the Democratic lawmaker was confirmed by Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstsal, according to a report by the Des Moines Register. Seng was 69 years old when he died, Friday, September 16, 2016, just 11 days shy of turning 70.
In 2014, Seng announced that he had a brain tumor. Back when his condition was announced, Gronstal referred to Seng as being “tough as nails.”
“He was a friend, a colleague and a good person,” Gonstral said, according to the Des Moines Register.
“I am saddened to hear of my friend Joe Seng’s passing,” said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. “He bravely fought cancer for two years while continuing to serve his constituents at the statehouse. Joe was a devout member of the Catholic Church and someone that I enjoyed working across the aisle with on life issues. Joe was a true statesman that put party aside to work for the common good.”
Seng represented Davenport and southern Scott County. He was elected to his third term in the Iowa Senate in 2010, according to the Iowa Senate website. Before his service in the Senate, Seng served one term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He also was previously the Mayor ProTem and Alderman at large for the City of Davenport.
According to the Register’s report, Seng was known to bring music into sessions to amuse his colleagues; he played the accordion.
