State Sen. John Schiffer Dies

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) — Longtime state Republican Sen. John Schiffer, of Kaycee, has died. He was 68.

Schiffer died Thursday morning at his home following a brief illness.

A member of the Schiffer family confirmed his death.

State Rep. Rosie Berger, of Big Horn, is a close friend and says Schiffer was just diagnosed with liver cancer at the end of May.

Schiffer has represented District 22 in Johnson and Sheridan counties since 1993. He was president of the Senate in 2007-08 and Senate Majority Floor Leader in 2006-07.

He was currently serving as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A rancher by trade, Schiffer was born in Chadron, Nebraska. He and his wife, Nancy, had two children.

Funeral arrangements are pending.