State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker Dies

Family members of State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker (R-Goshen) this morning confirmed the five-term lawmaker has lost his ongoing battle with cancer. He was 71.

According to a written statement from his Statehouse office, Riegsecker died at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, where he was surrounded by his wife Norma and immediate family. Funeral arrangements are pending (and will be released through the Senate Majority Communications Office).

Riegsecker announced in January he would not seek a sixth term, but instead wanted to spend more time with relatives. He was hospitalized during and since last year’s legislative session. His condition improved enough to return to the Senate floor and cast key votes – including this year’s historic property tax reforms.

“Legislative colleagues will always remember Sen. Riegsecker’s intelligence, passion and commitment,” said Senate President Pro Tem David C. Long (R-Ft. Wayne). “He was an excellent public servant, a dedicated leader in his pharmacy profession and a committed family man. Our hearts go out to Norma and the Riegsecker family. We will all miss Marvin greatly. ”

First elected to the Indiana Senate in 1988, Riegsecker championed causes ranging from providing services to those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to protecting seniors and other consumers from counterfeit prescription drugs – efforts that brought him national recognition from legislative and public health associations.

Riegsecker also advanced many bills involving education, transportation and public safety. Previously, Riegsecker served as Elkhart County Coroner from 1977-84 and county commissioner from 1985-1988.

Riegsecker chaired the Senate Committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation and was ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environmental Affairs. He also served as a member of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services.