Tributes are being voiced for former Minnesota House Speaker Irv Anderson
Former Minnesota House Speaker Irv Anderson, DFL-International Falls, died today at the age of 85.
One of the last World War II veterans serving in the Minnesota House, Anderson, who had trouble navigating the Capitol corridors during his final years of service, retired following the 2006 legislative session.
He first ran for office in 1964.
Fellow lawmakers were quick to offer tributes.
“Irv Anderson lived a life dedicated to service, whether as a decorated Navy pilot in World War II, a concerned citizen or as a state leader,” said House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis.
“Throughout his legislative career, he remained a forceful voice for his constituents and working Minnesotans across the state,” she said.
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich, DFL-Chisholm, also praised Anderson, who, besides serving as Speaker, also served as House Majority Leader.
“It is hard to imagine a time or an issue in our state’s recent history that did not benefit from Irv Anderson’s leadership,” said Sertich.
Anderson is survived by his wife Phyllis and two children. He worked as a paper inspector at an International Falls paper mill.
A sportsman, Anderson had his favorite Rainy Lake fishing spots and enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting.
