Iowa state representative from Fairfield dies at age 73

State Rep. Curt Hanson, a Fairfield Democrat who had served in the House since 2009, died Friday morning. He was 73.

Family members did not announce a cause of death. 

Hanson served as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee and also served on the Agriculture, Education and Environmental Protection committees. 

"Rep. Hanson was the model for thoughtful, diplomatic, and constituent-centered representation," House Democratic leader Mark Smith said in a statement. "He worked tirelessly for his constituents every single day. His passion for education and expertise on transportation issues will be sorely missed in the Iowa House."

Hanson was a driver education teacher at Fairfield High School for 43 years, receiving the Fairfield Jaycee Outstanding Young Education Award and the Fairfield Teacher of the Year award. 

Hanson also was a former president of the Iowa Association of Safety Education and a former president of the Fairfield Education Association. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane, two children and five grandchildren. 

“I was saddened to hear the news of Rep. Curt Hanson’s passing this morning,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. “Rep. Hanson was a champion of education. As a former teacher, he wanted to ensure everyone in Iowa had the same access to quality, affordable education. Rep. Hanson’s presence in the Iowa House will greatly missed. I am keeping his wife, Diane, his children and his grandchildren in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said in a statement: “Rep. Hanson was passionate about being a voice for his constituents and was a friend to many in the Iowa House. He will be missed."