After a several months of battling pancreatic cancer, former United States Congressman Mark Souder has passed away.

According to a social media post from his family, he passed away Monday morning at age 72. The Souder family made the announcement on Facebook saying “It is with great sadness we share the passing of Mark Souder, husband, father, grandfather and brother. This morning he went 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.”

Souder began his service career in politics as a staff member for Dan Coats, both when Coats served as a congressman from northeast Indiana and then as a senator for Indiana.

Souder left Coats’ staff to run for election to Congress. He won the 1994 election over Democratic incumbent Jill Long and then was re-elected seven times.

This last year, Souder was presented with a Sagamore of the Wabash award by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. The award honors Souder’s work as northeast Indiana’s congressman from 1995 to 2010.

Souder was instrumental in establishing the Congressional National Parks Caucus.