MADISON, Wis. -- Dane County Coroner Ray Wosepka died Saturday of natural causes, according to county officials.

According to a new release issued by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Wosepka had been in ill health in recent weeks. He was apparently suffering for heart-related ailments.

Wosepka, who had previously served as the county coroner from 1988 to 2000, was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle to fill the term of John Stanley last fall. Stanley died unexpectedly in September 2009.

Wosepka worked as a liaison between two tissue banks in Madison, was a Madison police officer and a court liaison.

"Ray Wosepka was the consummate professional and his willingness to return to public service after the passing of John Stanley was most appreciated. Ray was a dedicated public servant with a friendly smile and unrivaled work ethic and he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to Ray's family for their enormous loss," Falk was quoted as saying in the news release.

Chief Deputy Coroner Barry Iman will serve as interim coroner.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.