ANKENY, Iowa —

A former mayor of Ankeny has died.

The city confirmed Merle Johnson passed away on Monday. Johnson served as the city's Mayor from 1998 to 2005.

Ankeny Mayor Bobbi Bentz says Johnson cared deeply bout his community.

"Mr. Johnson’s tenure marked the City’s first major period of expansion," reads a Facebook post from the city. "According to the 2005 special census, Ankeny’s population grew to 36,161, up from 27,117 in 2000. The City’s boundaries also expanded to 26.45 square miles. His leadership helped the city navigate the opportunities and challenges that came with such rapid growth." This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

He was 85 years old.

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