Ariel Sharon, former Israeli Prime Minister, died on Saturday, January 11, at the age of 85, according to MSN News.

Sharon suffered a debilitating stroke eight years ago and had been in a coma ever since. His coffin was displayed in a plaza right in front of the Knesset where hundreds of Israelis lined up to pay their last respects to the former Israeli leader.

A funeral service is scheduled on Monday and dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, are expected to attend.

Ariel Sharon is one of the most iconic, controversial and influential figures of Israel.

"My heart is broken. Israel lost the King of David. There is no other word to describe this man, they don't make people like this anymore," Uri Rottman, a mourner who claimed he once served in the military with Sharon, told MSN News.

Another of Sharon's former army comrade, Eliav Aviram said "I feel committed to share the very last moment before they're going to bury him."

Ariel Sharon's story is an epic in itself. He was a farmer who became a solider, a soldier who became a politician, and a politician who became a statesman. He became famous when he led Israel's exploits on the battlefield as its general when he masterminded the invasion of Lebanon. He built settlements on war-won lands in Lebanon and then decided late in life to destroy those he thought are no longer useful. For his supporters, Ariel Sharon was a war hero, but a war criminal to his critics.

With his death on Saturday, Israeli authorities have closed off the streets around the parliament anticipating throngs of people to visit the dead Israeli leader. Visitors and mourners who'd pay respects were asked to park at designated lots in and around the city and were brought to the funeral site by special buses.