Frank Hatch, father of Democratic gubernatorial candidate, dies at age 95

The campaign has released a statement this afternoon:

DES MOINES — Jack Hatch, candidate for Governor, released the following statement Monday regarding the passing of his father, Frank Hatch, in Stockbridge, MA, Sunday at Age 95:

“This is a sad time for my family.  My father, Frank Hatch, passed away of natural causes Sunday in a care facility near Stockbridge, MA.  He was 95.  I last saw him in June 2014, and was aware he was not in the best health.  I was glad I had the chance to talk to him at that time.  Funeral and burial arrangements are pending, but we are expecting to lay him to rest at the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. My dad was a World War II Army veteran and retired from active duty as a Captain in the 87th Airborne Division.  He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1954.  He is preceded in death by my mother, Joanne Fitzpatrick Hatch.

I’ve had great support in the past 24 hours from family and friends.  Thanks to all for respecting my family’s privacy at this time.”

UPDATE: Governor Branstad’s campaign released a statement late this afternoon.

(URBANDALE, Iowa) – The Branstad-Reynolds campaign today released the following statement from Governor Branstad after learning of the passing of Senator Hatch’s father.

“I recently learned of the passing of Senator Hatch’s father, and I express my deepest condolences to Senator Hatch. 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.” – Governor Terry Branstad