MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota National Guard officer who spoke and wrote about his battle with cancer has died.

The Guard says the family of Army Lt. Col. Mark Weber of Rosemount confirmed he died Thursday. Weber was 41.

Weber had been fighting Stage 4 gastrointestinal cancer for three years.

He wrote about his cancer battle and his challenging childhood in the self-published book, “Tell My Sons: A Father’s Last Letters.”

On Memorial Day, Weber was strong enough to address thousands gathered for ceremonies at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. But soon after was moved into hospice care.

Weber received the Legion of Merit from Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the National Guard center in Rosemount last August.

Funeral arrangements are pending.