Iowa Rep. Greg Forristall dies after battle with cancer

Iowa Rep. Greg Forristall died overnight Wednesday following a battle with cancer, family members have announced. 

Forristall, a Republican from Macedonia, was serving his sixth term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He was 67 years old. 

"Greg was a brave soul. He fought for what he believed in and he fought this battle until the end," Forristall's wife, Carol, said in a statement to the Register. "I was proud of his life-long dedication to education, the arts, agriculture, and public service. Greg cared about our community and has left this world a better place. A noble goal for us all."

Forristall served as vice chair of the House education committee and held seats on the labor, human resources and ways and means committees as well, according to the Iowa House Republicans website. He grew up on a family farm near Macedonia and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1972.

Forristall's wife, Carol, was a public school music teacher for 35 years and served as her husband's clerk in the legislature, according to Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer.

Iowa Republican leaders also expressed their condolences Thursday. 

“Greg bravely fought cancer for months while going above and beyond to fulfill his legislative duties and serve his constituents in western Iowa,” Gov. Terry Branstad said in a statement. “He was an outstanding legislator and will be greatly missed.”

“Our hearts are heavy today with the passing of Rep. Greg Forristall, who fought courageously during his battle with cancer," Upmeyer said in a statement. "He was a dedicated public servant to the people he represented and an advocate for the arts and education, two issues that he was incredibly passionate for. He will be sorely missed."

"Greg Forristall was not only a friend to southwest Iowa and his constituents, he was a friend to conservatives across our state. In the tradition of Ronald Reagan, Greg was a 'happy warrior' — after hearing from his constituents, he'd plant his feet and stand firm for what was best for them and their families," said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann in a statement. "I served with Greg for six years in the Iowa House and my fond memories of friendship and my respect for Representative Forristall will never diminish."

This story will be updated.