Guttenberg mayor dies at age 79

Guttenberg's mayor has passed away at age 79.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports that Gerald "Red" Block died Saturday at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque. Block's death was confirmed by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, which is handling the funeral arrangements.

Block's term as mayor was to expire at the end of 2013. Minutes of the city council's agenda show Block missed two meetings in January, and the city's website says Councilman Ralph Livingston was named mayor pro tem.

Block had been a Clayton County sheriff and Guttenberg police chief. He's survived by his wife, Jerri, and three stepchildren.

Block's funeral will be Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Guttenberg. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet.