(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School District is mourning the unexpected death of a longtime teacher.

In a message posted on the district website and Facebook page, Superintendent Lonnie Moser announced that Hiawatha Middle School teacher Dixie Pethoud  
died Monday evening from a sudden illness.

Pethoud taught in the district for 26 years. This semester, Moser said she was teaching family and consumer science, 7th grade history, and 5th and 6th grade technology.

Moser wrote " Ms. Pethoud genuienely cared for students and colleagues.  She had a wonderfully positive outlook and will be deeply missed."

Moser said the district will have additional counselors, social workers, and other personnel available to students and staff in the days ahead.