Family Holds Memorials for Late Congressman Oberstar

DULUTH - Government officials, friends and family packed the DECC Friday to remember the life of former congressman Jim Oberstar.When Oberstar passed away in his home in Maryland in May, Minnesota gasped. Mayor Ness said, "His death was such a surprise."Born on the Iron Range, he worked hard for the people of the Northland.Son Ted Oberstar said, "This is where he was from. This was his home. When he went to congress it was to represent the people of Minnesota and he never forgot that."Ness said, "What drove Jim professionally and what drove him to be so passionate about his service to this country are the people of Minnesota."Since his family held a funeral in Maryland, where Oberstar lived, they wanted to give Minnesotans a chance to share the good memories of a man who meant the world them.Ted said, "What he wanted was to leave the Congress and to leave the world a better place for having been in it."Monica said, "My dad, he knew everyone by name and so he would walk in and he would meet you and he would know you, and he would ask you questions about your family and he would remember."Mayor Ness worked closely with the Congressman.He said, "I miss him. I wish that this summer I could look forward to our breakfasts together."Sharing stories of him, made the ballroom erupt with laughter.The Mayor said his life and career have been forever changed due to the time spent with Oberstar."He showed you didn't have to follow the well beaten path in Washington."His daughter Monica said, "My dad was just the most loving, devoted father."His children said he was a dad first, and a politician later."My brother and sisters and I are very close and that is sort of the family legacy that he left us with."He was very friendly. Family and friends were the most important thing."