Former Minnesota Gov. Al Quie passes away at 99 – InForum

death – Obituary News : MINNEAPOLIS — Al Quie, a former congressman and one-term governor of Minnesota, passed away at his home in Wayzata on Friday at the age of 99. Known for his stoic demeanor and deep Lutheran faith, Quie served in Congress for 20 years before returning home to run for governor. He was remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked across party lines and focused on agriculture and education.

Quie was born on September 18, 1923, on a farm in Rice County’s Wheeling Township. He grew up as a third-generation dairy farmer and fought in World War II as part of the U.S. Navy. After the war, Quie attended St. Olaf College, where he met his future wife, Gretchen Hansen. The couple married in 1948 and settled on the family farm, continuing the tradition of Norwegian dairy farming.

Quie’s political career began when he won a seat in the state Legislature in 1954. He was urged to run for Congress in a special election in 1958 after the death of Republican U.S. Rep. August Andresen. Quie won the election by a slim margin and served in Congress until 1978. He earned a reputation for his ability to work with members on both sides of the aisle and was well-liked by voters from both parties.

In 1978, Quie ran for governor and defeated the Democratic incumbent, Rudy Perpich, in a race that came to be known as the Minnesota Massacre. Quie’s victory was seen as a bellwether for the 1980 general election and the Reagan years to come. However, his time as governor was marked by budget troubles and criticism for his handling of financial matters. Despite these challenges, Quie remained committed to his faith and his dedication to public service.

After leaving office, Quie and his wife settled in the Faribault area, where they focused on recharging and enjoying their retirement. Quie became involved in the Prison Fellowship, a nonprofit Christian ministry, and continued to be a strong advocate for education and agriculture.

Quie’s son, Joel, spoke fondly of his father’s broad appeal and the respect he garnered from those who knew him. “People that knew him liked him, and people that knew him trusted him,” said Joel Quie.

Al Quie’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and a man of faith will be remembered by many. His commitment to working across party lines and his focus on important issues such as agriculture and education leave a lasting impact on the state of Minnesota. Quie’s humble demeanor and strong values will continue to inspire future generations of leaders..