‘A part of American history:’ Iowa’s Grassley, Reynolds react to former VP Cheney’s death

DES MOINES — Former Vice President Dick Cheney, following the announcement of his death Tuesday, was remembered by Iowa Republican leaders as “a part of American history for more than five decades” and “a remarkable statesman.”

Cheney, who was 84, died Monday from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said Tuesday in a statement, the Associated Press reported.

Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley spoke about Cheney on the Senate floor.

“Dick Cheney lived a life of service to his country. He was bit by the political bug, biting him very early in his life, and he was committed, that entire life, to public service,” Grassley said. “Dick Cheney was a part of American history for more than five decades.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement on Cheney’s passing.

“Dick Cheney will be remembered as a remarkable statesman — in Congress and the Executive Branch, in times of peace and war, at home and abroad,” Reynolds said. “Above all, he will be remembered as a patriot, who dedicated his life to the service of his country.”

Grassley and Reynolds both offered their condolences and prayers to Cheney’s family.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau