Former Congressman Jim Oberstar Passes Away

MINNESOTA- Former Congressman, Jim Oberstar, died in his sleep Saturday morning in his home in Maryland. He was 79. Oberstar served in the House of Representatives from 1975 till 2011. Oberstar, a miner's son, was born in Chisholm, MN, and was Minnesota's longest serving congressman. 

Governor Dayton released a statement saying, "Congressman Oberstar was a true champion for the people of the 8th District, and for our entire state. He worked tirelessly to bring jobs, economic growth, and a better quality of life to his constituents. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Jean, and his family."

Senator Amy Klobuchar also released a statement saying, "Jim Oberstar was a mentor and a friend and a man of true purpose and grit. His purpose? To make life better for the people of northern Minnesota and our world. His method? Knowing all the facts and never giving up just like the people he represented.

"His life journey took him from the hard scrabble mines of northern Minnesota to the chairmanship of one of the most powerful committees in Congress. He traveled the country and the world helping people, sharing knowledge and always speaking his mind, sometimes in French.

"Every miner should remember his work to keep the mines open and make them safer. Every American who bikes the Minnesota bike trails, hikes the Lake Superior trail, and drives our national highways and bridges should remember Jim today. He was a treasure trove of facts and figures for every member of Congress.

"To the end he loved Jean and his family, his Slovenian heritage, his long bike rides, and anything and everything about transportation policy. We will miss him dearly."

Oberstar is survived by his wife Jean and his six children, Ted, Noelle Annie, Lindy, and Charlie. He also had eight grandchildren.