Des Moines, Iowa — Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has died. He was 64.
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says, “The Republican Party of Iowa mourns the sudden and untimely passing of Bill Northey. Bill was a dedicated public servant, hardworking farmer, and beloved father, grandfather, and husband. Bill’s commitment to Iowa’s agricultural industry, and his tireless efforts to promote it, have left an indelible mark on our state.”
Northey served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture from 2007 to 2018, and as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2018 to 2021.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says, “Bill was a great leader whose work ethic and passion for Iowa agriculture was unmatched. Iowans and farmers around the country were fortunate to have such a rock-solid advocate and friend,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Bill understood well our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and exemplified that calling throughout his career. But his life’s greatest role was as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Bill will be missed. Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Cindy and their family.”
Gov. Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Northey’s funeral and internment.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
Again, former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, from Spirit Lake, dead at 64.
