IOWA FALLS - A Hardin County Sheriff's Department is mourning a deputy who died unexpectedly Monday.

Deputy Gary Olmstead, 56, a 21-year veteran of the department, reportedly died of natural causes at the Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls.

In addition to Olmstead's routine duties of patrol and investigations, he also served as the agency's traffic accident investigator, firearms instructor and supervisor of reserve deputies. Olmstead also kept the agency's training records.

Prior to working for Hardin County, Olmstead worked for police departments in Iowa Falls and Jewell, racking up more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

Olmstead had a deep commitment to his duties and responsibilities and will be remembered for his knowledge, law enforcement skills and pride in his profession, Sheriff Timothy Smith said in a prepared statement.

Olmstead was a husband and father who put family first, Smith added.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls.

A funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 415 Main St., Iowa Falls.

The Iowa State Sheriff's and Deputies Association Honor Guard will provide full honors.