Former ISU wrestler and 1948 Olympic Gold Medalist Glen Brand died while sleeping Saturday night in his Omaha, Neb. home.

Brand — the school’s first gold medalist — was 85 years old and is survived by his wife, his only son and five step-children.

“He was a great example to the university and set the standard for us, as a wrestling program,” said wrestling coach Cael Sanderson. “He was a great student, and he was very successful in business, and he really is what makes Iowa State special.

“We are very saddened … He was a great guy, and our sympathies go out to his family.”

Brand was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1978. He won the 1948 NCAA Championship at 175 pounds before winning the gold medal in London later that year.

After graduating with an engineering degree from Iowa State, he founded Brand Hydraulics in 1956 with $400 in the bank, according to a press release.

The company manufactured hydraulic valves and electrohydraulic components that Brand designed. He was still involved with the company before his death, although his son, Greg, took over control of operations.

Glen Brand was the first of five ISU wrestlers to win a gold medal.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday and a visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Roeder Mortuary in Omaha, Neb.