Pictured: Carroll County Chief Deputy Jon Cretsinger shares memories of working cases with Carroll County Attorney John Werden, who passed away unexpectedly last week.
The Carroll County Board of Supervisors and county employees reflected on the career of County Attorney John Werden at their meeting this (Monday) morning following his unexpected passing last week. Before calling the meeting to order, the supervisors held a moment of silence for Werden and invited county employees to the podium to speak. Assistant County Attorney Curt Steger says the last few days have been challenging in the County Attorney’s Office.
Steger says that sentiment has been echoed by those who worked with him over the years, from judges and fellow attorneys to law enforcement.
The supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Monday morning formally designating Steger as assistant county attorney, who will serve until an individual is selected or election to complete the remainder of Werden’s term. Carroll County Chief Deputy Jon Cretsinger says Werden held the county’s law enforcement to exceedingly high standards, but the extra work and expectations that came along with that paid dividends in the courtroom.
The supervisors each shared thoughts Monday morning, including District 3 Supervisor Gene Meiners, who served the longest with Werden as an elected county official.
Werden was first elected Carroll County Attorney in 1998 and held the position continuously for 26 years. At the time of his death, he was also serving as the 2025 Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) president. Some county offices may be closed on Wednesday morning to allow staff to attend Werden’s funeral at St. Lawrence Church in Carroll.
