Minnesota Mourns as Former Governor Al Quie Passes Away at 99

death – Obituary News : Former Congressman and Governor Al Quie, who represented southern Minnesota for 20 years, passed away on August 18 at the age of 99. Quie was known for his stoic Norwegian demeanor and deep Lutheran faith. He was a third-generation dairy farmer and lifelong Republican who never lost an election during his time in office. Quie rose from local politics in small-town Minnesota to become a powerful congressman and later ousted an incumbent Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) governor in an election known as the Minnesota Massacre, which foreshadowed the Reagan era.

Quie was known for his ability to work across party lines and gain the trust of both Republican and Democratic voters. He focused on agriculture and education throughout his career and was seen as a candidate with broad appeal. Chuck Slocum, a former political adviser, described him as someone who was liked and trusted by those who knew him.

Quie’s faith played a significant role in his life. While running for governor in 1978, he rejected the notion that God had called him to run and emphasized that God did not magically tell him what to do. Quie maintained a humble faith that guided his actions and decisions.

Quie was born on September 18, 1923, on a farm in Wheeling Township. He fought in World War II and turned to God for strength and courage. After the war, he and his brother alternated attending school to help their father on the farm. Quie attended St. Olaf College, where he met his wife Gretchen Hansen. They married in 1948 and settled on the family farm, becoming the third generation of Norwegian dairy farmers.

Quie’s political career began when he won a seat in the state Legislature in 1954. However, he left the term early to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress after the incumbent representative passed away. Quie won the special election by a narrow margin and held onto his victory despite recount efforts. He served in Congress until 1978.

In 1978, Quie ran for governor and defeated the incumbent DFL governor with 53% of the vote. His victory was attributed to DFLers’ attempts to cover up a legislative audit, which Quie exposed during a televised debate. However, his time as governor was marked by budget troubles and poor financial advice, leading to a deficit and broken campaign promises.

Quie decided not to seek a second term as governor and retired from politics. His decision was met with relief, both from himself and his wife Gretchen. Quie’s political career may have come to an end, but his legacy as a trusted and respected leader lives on..