United Group Insurance

State Senator Rocky De Witt of Lawton has died of cancer

News

June 26th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A state senator from the Sioux City area has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 66. Rocky De Witt, a Republican from Lawton, worked for MidAmerican Energy for 22 years. He was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022 after serving six years on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver says De Witt was a passionate defender of constitutional rights who will be deeply missed by his colleagues.

State Senator Rocky De Witt (R-Lawton) (official photo)

Governor Kim Reynolds issued the following statement on the passing of Senator De Witt:
“Kevin and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a dear colleague and friend, Senator Rocky De Witt. Rocky spent a life dedicated to serving his neighbors in Northwest Iowa as a member of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office before representing his constituents on the board of supervisors and, eventually, the Iowa State Senate. In just three years, Rocky made a profound impact in the state legislature, all while heroically battling cancer. Rocky was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family and friends remain in our prayers.”

De Witt’s last speech in the legislature was on April 15th — about a proposed constitutional amendment to require supermajority votes to pass income tax increases in the Iowa House and Senate.