Indiana state Sen. Marvin Riegsecker died Tuesday from cancer. He was 71.

Riegsecker died at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, according to a statement from his Statehouse office. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Goshen Republican represented the 12th Senate District for 20 years and had announced in January that he wouldn’t seek a sixth term, so he could spend more time with his family.

Riegsecker was hospitalized during and since last year’s legislative session but returned to the Senate floor to vote on key issues, such as property tax reform measures.

"I was saddened to hear of Sen. Riegsecker’s passing," said fellow Republican legislator state Rep. John Ulmer, R-Goshen, in a statement from his office.

"He was a dear friend and an excellent senator. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today."

State Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Jimtown, said she considered Riegsecker her closest political ally.

"He was a great mentor, colleague and friend," she said. "It is a sad day as we have lost a great public servant, someone who dedicated his life to serving the people of Elkhart County."

Riegsecker championed causes such as protecting senior citizens and consumers from counterfeit prescription drugs, which brought him national recognition from legislative and public health associations. He also worked on issues such as providing services to the mentally and developmentally disabled. The senator also advanced many bills involving education, transportation and public safety.

Previously, Riegsecker served as Elkhart County coroner from 1977 to 1984 and Elkhart County commissioner from 1985 to 1988.

Senate President Pro Tem David C. Long, R-Fort Wayne, said legislative colleagues always will remember Riegsecker for his "intelligence, passion and commitment."

"He was an excellent public servant, a dedicated leader in his pharmacy profession and a committed family man," Long said. "Our hearts go out to Norma and the Riegsecker family. We will all miss Marvin greatly."