Assembly Majority Leader: Rep. Bob Gannon died Tuesday night
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Rep. Bob Gannon (R-West Bend), passed away Tuesday night due to natural causes, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
The release from the Sheriff says they received a 911 call from the Gonring Boat Launch located near Big Cedar Lake in the Town of West Bend for an unresponsive man inside a pick-up truck.
Authorities responded and determined the man, later identified as Wisconsin State Representative Robert Gannon of the 58th Assembly District was dead.
The incident remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, however it appears Representative Gannon died of natural causes.
Governor Scott Walker said:
"Tonette and I are saddened by the passing of Representative Bob Gannon. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Kris, and their children as we mourn the loss of a devoted husband, father, friend, and public servant. Bob’s energy and passion will be deeply missed."
Steineke (R-Kaukauna) released a statement on his website Wednesday saying:
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Bob Gannon. During his time in the legislature, Bob proved to be a committed and effective part of our caucus, and his presence will be greatly missed. His extensive work with charities throughout the state has resulted in a better Wisconsin for everyone.
"I’d like to extend my most sincere condolences to Bob’s wife, Kris, and their family. I pray for peace and healing for their family during this most difficult time.”
Senate Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, issued this statement:
“My heart aches upon hearing the news of the death of my friend and colleague, Bob Gannon. Our state suffers a great loss with his passing.
“Bob was a fierce and passionate voice in the state Legislature, fighting boldly to make Wisconsin a better and safer state. It was a privilege and joy to serve with him in the Capitol. He was always ready to brighten up a room with his sharp wit and humor. He will be missed.
“My prayers go out for Bob’s wife, kids, family, friends and constituents during this very sad time.”
Senator Duey Stroebel (R-Cedarburg) said:
"My wife, Laura, and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Kris and the rest of the Gannon family. Bob was a friend and colleague, who showed zeal for serving his community. Bob was committed to finding solutions to issues facing the urban areas of our state. Earlier this year, he held hearings in cities around Wisconsin talking to people facing poverty.
"Bob wore his passion on his sleeve. Rarely did a room of constituents not know where Bob stood on any issue. Bob was not interested in being a politician. He went to Madison to do the right thing and came back to the district to serve his neighbors. Bob served God, his family and his neighbors in that order.
"Bob “gave em’ heck” and all the mattered was improving the lives of Wisconsinites.
"I will miss Bob’s jovial personality. There was not a day that Bob did not put a smile on someone’s face."
Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) made the following statement:
“The Assembly family has lost an outspoken conservative who made the chamber and our caucus a livelier place. Bob will be remembered for his unwavering passion and unapologetic approach to politics. I’m especially proud of the work that he was doing as the chair of the new Assembly committee, the Committee on Urban Revitalization. He was dedicated to serving his constituents well and tackling important issues like poverty in Wisconsin.
“Bob came from a large family with modest means. He worked hard becoming a successful business owner and community leader. Bob had a big heart and was extremely generous to local charities. He will be sorely missed in his community and in the legislature.
“I would ask that you join me and my Assembly colleagues in praying for his wife Kris and his family.”