Former state Sen. Sue Landske dies at 77

Former state Sen. Sue Landske, 77, has died following a battle with cancer.

The Republican from Cedar Lake chose not to seek re-election last year, saying at the time that she had to do what was “best for my health and best for the Hoosiers that I serve in Northwest Indiana.”

Landske served as Lake County’s Center Township Assessor from 1978 to 1984, before she was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 1984. She had also served in the National Guard Reserve as a colonel. When she left the legislature, Landske was the assistant president pro tempore and chair of the Senate Elections Committee.

Gov. Mike Pence said Friday he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Landske’s death.

“A true public servant in every way, Sue focused on serving others — from her service in the military to that on behalf of Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana in both local and state government,” Pence said.

“For three decades, she served tirelessly and selflessly in the Indiana General Assembly, helping to advance education opportunities for women and veterans and leading by example through a variety of roles including as assistant Senate president,” he said. “The first lady and I offer our thoughts and prayers to Sue’s beloved family, friends and the countless Hoosiers impacted by her work.”

Landske authored bills to give free tuition to Purple Heart recipients, establish objective guidelines for creating legislative and congressional districts, and promote women entering the engineering field.

Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, said Landske will be remembered a “woman of integrity, strength and grace.”

“Those of us who had the privilege of serving alongside Sue in the General Assembly appreciated her warmth, friendship and wise counsel,” Long said. “On behalf of the entire Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.”

Landske is survived by her husband, William, and five children.

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