Former North Dakota Senate Majority Leader has died

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Former North Dakota Senate Majority Leader Gary J. Nelson has died.

North Dakota Legislative Council says Nelson passed away this week.

The Casselton Republican served District 22 in the state senate from 1977-2001.

He was a farmer by trade and a Concordia College graduate.

“As the Majority Leader, Senator Nelson led with a firm hand but was always open to sharing humor or a fun story! I was the Minority Leader and appreciated his fairness. Senator Nelson served our state with distinction,” said Sen. Tim Mathern, a Fargo Democrat.

“His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the work he influenced, and the friendships he built. North Dakota is a better State because of Senator Nelson’s service,” said former Republican state senator and current Cass County Commission Chair Tony Grindberg.