You can watch the live swearing-in ceremony above.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – The 79-year-old man who has served as the Summit City’s deputy mayor for over 10 years will soon be acting mayor following the heartbreaking passing of the late Tom Henry.
On Thursday evening, Tom Henry’s family shared the news that the mayor passed peacefully in his sleep early on Thursday, March 28, at the age of 72. They said he had a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer diagnosis, which he announced to the public during a last-minute press conference on Feb. 26.
ALL RELATED REPORTS: Remembering Mayor Tom Henry | (story continues below)
79-year-old Karl Bandemer served alongside Henry for over 10 years after he was appointed deputy mayor in October 2013.
Bandemer is the former vice president of downtown development for Greater Fort Wayne Inc., according to the city’s website. He has nearly 50 years of experience in local government and businesses, formerly serving as the City’s economic development director from 1981-1986.
He worked in the private sector as well, serving in leadership positions at Sturges Development Group and Northill Corporation. Before taking on the role of deputy mayor, the city says he also worked for the Region 3A Development and Regional Planning Commission, United Way of Allen County, and the Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council.
Bandemer has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Drake University and a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University.
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