Ankeny is mourning a former mayor who died at the age of 85.

Merle Ollie Johnson led Ankeny from 1998 to 2005. He died Sept. 29.

Johnson will be recognized for his service at the Monday, Oct. 6 City Council meeting, according to a news release from the city.

“He cared deeply about this community and the people who call it home. We are grateful for his years of service and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," Mayor Bobbi Bentz said in the release.

Johnson was mayor during a major period of growth in the city. Ankeny's population grew from 27,117 in the 2000 U.S. Census to 36,161 in a 2005 special census, according to the release.

The city's current population has reached 76,200, according to a special census released this year .

One of the major achievements

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