ND Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem dies

An ambulance was called to Stenehjem’s residence shortly before 8:30 a.m. Friday

UPDATE – The Office of North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announces he died unexpectedly Friday.

“We know Wayne was a widely respected and well-known public figure, but we ask that his family be allowed time to grieve in private,” the office said in a statement.

Stenehjem also served in the North Dakota Legislature for 24 years. He was in the House for four years and in the Senate for 20 years. He was chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1995 to 2000.

News Director of Prairie Public Radio Dave Thompson has followed Stenehjem’s career since the 1979 Legislative session and says he’s one of the best public servants the state has ever known.

“He was down to Earth, very committed, very professional. He basically administered his office in really, truly a nonpartisan matter. Yes, he was a Republican, but he said law and justice etcetera, the constitution supersede party politics,” Thompson said.

Stenehjem is the longest serving attorney general in state history serving in the post for more than 21 years. He announced last December he would not seek another four year term.

Stenehjem also served 20 years in the North Dakota legislature.

He ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 2016 losing to Doug Burgum.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Bismarck Funeral Home for public and private services.

“Like so many North Dakotans who treasured his friendship and admired him for his more than four decades of exceptional service to our state, we are absolutely devastated by the passing of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem,” North Dakota Governor Burgum said. “Wayne embodied public service, both as a dedicated legislator and the longest-serving attorney general in our state’s 133-year history. As the top law enforcement officer in North Dakota for over two decades, Attorney General Stenehjem always put the safety and well-being of our citizens first. North Dakota is a safer place because of his unwavering commitment to law and order, his loyalty to his team members and his utmost respect for our men and women in uniform. State and local governments also are more transparent thanks to his strong enforcement of North Dakota’s sunshine laws.”

“Kris and I are saddened to hear of the passing of North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. I considered him a close friend and trusted colleague. Wayne was a true patriot, dedicating his life to public service and our great state. He always fought for what was right. My thoughts and prayers are with Beth and his family. Wayne will be sorely missed by all,” North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer said.

“Tonight, my friend Wayne passed on. I am devastated. My heart hurts for Beth, Andrew, and the entire Stenehjem family. Wayne loved North Dakota as much as anyone I have ever met. He was smart, compassionate, and had the most down-to-earth approach to public service. He taught me how to turn legal knowledge into smart policy. I would not be where I am today without Wayne’s friendship. I know for an absolute fact that I am not alone in that statement. But above all else, Wayne was a loving husband and a proud father. I am going to miss Wayne so much. I love you sir. Godspeed my friend,” North Dakota Rep. Kelly Armstrong said.

“Attorney General Stenehjem spent four decades serving the people of North Dakota, and was a fierce advocate for the rule of law and the rights of our state’s residents. As our state’s longest-serving Attorney General, he worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and took great pride in supporting our law enforcement officials. We will remember Wayne as a true friend and colleague, who will be greatly missed. Mikey and I send our sincerest condolences to Beth, Andrew and the entire Stenehjem family. We will continue praying for all of his loved ones,” North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said.

“We are devastated to learn of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s tragic passing today. His record of service to the State of North Dakota and commitment to the constitution was second to none. He had the courage to stand up for us and to protect our liberties in the face of government overreach. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife Beth, along with his entire family. May God Bless his memory,” The North Dakota GOP Party said.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KCND) – North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem was taken to Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck Friday morning for what his brother has described as an inflamed ulcer.

An ambulance was called to Stenehjem’s residence shortly before 8:30 a.m.

Stenehjem’s brother, Allan Stenehjem, said paramedics performed CPR, then took him to the emergency room at Sanford.

The 68-year-old Stenehjem is the longest-serving attorney general in state history.

Stenehjem had announced back in December he would not seek another four year term.