Wes Sweedler probably would have loved the Hamilton County Fair Parade that trailed through downtown Webster City Tuesday evening on its way to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.

But he missed it.

Sweedler, 67, a former Hamilton County supervisor who served four terms totalling 16 years, died suddenly Monday night after a medical event at his home in rural Williams.

“Wes was a true guardian for the people of Hamilton County,” Supervisor Chairman Rick Young said in a message Tuesday after learning of Sweedler’s passing.

“He was a wonderful public servant and a friend,” Hamilton County Auditor Kim Schaa said Tuesday. “He truly cared about the people of Hamilton County and will be missed.”

She added, “He was one of a kind.”

Sweedler began serving as a county supervisor on January 1, 2001, Schaa said. His last term as supervisor ended at the close of 2016.

Doug Bailey, who worked as a supervisor alongside Sweedler for 12 years, remembered his colleague’s integrity.

“While Wes and I didn’t always agree, we could always come together for the benefit of the county,” Bailey said. “He was one of the most honest individuals I have ever met. You may not like what he was telling you, but you could count on it to be exactly what he was thinking.”

Hamilton County’s Sheriff Alex Pruismann honored Sweedler similarly.

“Wes Sweedler was a dedicated Hamilton County Supervisor for many years whose leadership helped drive growth, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the future of the community,” Pruismann said. “He was a strong leader who held firm in his stances that made him well respected by all.”

Schaa, who has been Hamilton County auditor since 2001, said, “We ran the first time together.”

She added, “He was a softy.”

Sweedler, she said, played Santa Claus for some of the preschools in the county and for some families with young children.

“He was in my brother’s class in school, so I’ve known him ever since I was little.

“He’s been missed since he was gone in ’16.”

Details on a service for Sweedler were unavailable at press time.