A shock in Wisconsin’s political world as Wisconsin State Representative Bob Gannon died unexpectedly Tuesday night. West Bend’s representative was just 58-years-old.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Gannon was found dead of natural causes in his truck near his home. Word spread quickly throughout the west bend community and it's hitting hard for those who knew him.
"Completely unexpected, no one anticipated this,” said West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow.
Sadownikow said his phone started blowing up Wednesday morning; all with the tragic news of the passing of Gannon.
"I just met with Bob last week," Sadownikow said.
Gannon was known as a state representative to most, but for Sadownikow, a friend for more than 20 years.
"The West Bend community lost more than our assemblyman; we lost a heck of a guy," he said.
Gannon was first elected to the State Assembly back in 2014. Sadownikow called him a strong conservative.
"He certainly did not go to Madison to be a typical politician," Sadownikow said.
Before his time in Madison, Gannon was a proponent of Act 10 which changed the way teachers could negotiate contracts. He was an outspoken 2nd amendment supporter on the assembly floor.
"Bob had the rare ability to say what was on everyone else's mind. He wore his emotions and his feelings on his sleeve," he said.
Aside from his short political career, Gannon was a businessman. Most recently, he was the president of Richards Insurance Agency in West Bend. Gannon also volunteered for several organizations in the West Bend community.
"It's a good lesson for us all, enjoy the days that we've got," said Sadownikow.
Gannon is survived by his wife and two adult children.
TODAY’S TMJ4 reached out to the Wisconsin Elections Commission to find out what's next for the process of replacing Gannon in District 58. We were told the Governor may call for a special election
