Longtime Carroll County Attorney John Werden has died at the age of 69. According to county officials, Werden passed away unexpectedly in Des Moines overnight, where he was preparing to deliver this (Thursday) morning’s address to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) annual conference. In January, Werden was sworn in as the 2025 ISAC President. He was first elected as Carroll County Attorney in 1998 and was reelected ever since, most recently in 2022. Carroll County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Johnson says, “On behalf of the entire Carroll County Board of Supervisors, Carroll County employees, and Carroll County residents, we are saddened to hear about the unexpected passing of Carroll County Attorney John Werden. For the past several decades, John was a devoted public servant and committed to Carroll County. Our deepest condolences to the entire Werden family and friends.” State Auditor Rob Sand released an official statement regarding Werden’s passing. “I worked with John on many Carroll County cases when I was a prosecutor. He had a strong sense of right and wrong and always a clear opinion. He will be missed.” The Carroll County Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint an interim county attorney until someone is selected to fill the remainder of Werden’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. The supervisors could choose to appoint an individual, or they can host a special election to fill the vacancy.
