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FT. MADISON, IOWA -- UPDATE March 22, 2012 at 6:30 a.m.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Fort Madison's Mayor who died suddenly on Tuesday.

Steve Ireland passed away at the Fort Madison Community Hospital.

Ireland was starting his fourth term as mayor of the Pen City.

Visitation is Friday evening from 4:30 to 7 at King-Lynk Funeral Home and Crematory.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at the First Baptist Church with burial at the Claypoole Cemetery in Wever, Iowa.

Click here to learn more about to current status of the Mayor's office in Fort Madison.

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ORIGINAL STORY: March 20

From Staff Reports and Tristatesradio.com:

Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland died Tuesday at Fort Madison Community Hospital, Lee County Board of Supervisors member Gary Folluo confirmed.

Ireland, 53, was in his fourth term as mayor. His death came a week after he dropped out of the race for Iowa state senate.

Ireland was a part of city government for more than a decade, serving first on the city council before being elected to multiple terms as mayor.

Ireland also served on multiple boards and commissions, including the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, the Great River Regional Waste Authority, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority.

He withdrew his name from consideration to replace retiring State Senator Gene Fraise (D-Lee County), citing responsibilities associated with work and his role as mayor.

Congressman Dave Loebsack says he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ireland.

"He was a hard working public servant who tirelessly served the people of Fort Madison," Loebsack said. "I enjoyed working with Steve and admired his passion for making Fort Madison the best it could be. I was proud to consider him a friend.”

Funeral arrangements are pending with the King-Lynk Funeral Home and Crematory in Fort Madison.