Staff Report

Mark Souder

FORT WAYNE – Mark Souder, who represented northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 15 years, has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was 72.

Souder’s family posted the following message on his Facebook page:

“It is with great sadness we share the passing of Mark Souder – husband, father, grandfather and brother. This morning he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mark was a strong leader and passionate about his faith, family, and his country. We want to thank you for all the kind words, prayers, and support over the past months.”

He served in the House of Representatives as a Republican from 1995 until 2010, when he resigned after an extra-marital affair came to light.

Souder announced in January that he had been diagnosed.

Third District Congressman Jim Banks posted his condolences on social media: “Mark was a constant source of support and advice for me during my six years serving northeast Indiana in Congress. I will miss his regular Facebook messages and his stories about his 15 years of serving in the same job.”