The father of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch has died.
Frank Hatch served during World War II and was a captain in the 87th Airborne Division when he retired from the Army. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve until 1954. According to a statement released by the Hatch campaign, the family plans to bury Frank Hatch in Arlington National Cemetery.
Frank Hatch was 95 and died of natural causes. He had been living in a care facility in Massachusetts and Hatch, a state senator from Des Moines, took time off the campaign trail in early June to visit. Senator Hatch said he “was aware” his father was “not in the best health,” so he’s glad they “had the chance to talk.”
Hatch issued a statement requesting privacy and thanking his family and friends for their “great support” at this time. Funeral and burial arrangements are pending.
Governor Branstad issued a written statement through his campaign late this afternoon.
“I express my deepest condolences to Senator Hatch,” Branstad said. “I respect and salute the service that Senator Hatch’s father gave to our nation in uniform. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Hatch and his family at this time.”
(This post was updated at 4:48 p.m. with additional information.)