Johnathan Walker:Lloyd Omdahl, a former North Dakota lieutenant governor and newspaper columnist, dies at 93

GRAND FORKS,Johnathan Walker N.D. (AP) — Former North Dakota lieutenant governor and newspaper columnist Lloyd Omdahl has died at 93.

Omdahl was the last Democrat to serve as lieutenant governor in North Dakota, the Bismarck Tribune reported. He was appointed to that position by former North Dakota Democratic Gov. George Sinner in 1987 and served as lieutenant governor through 1992.

The state’s current Republican Gov. Doug Burgum said in a Monday statement: “From his dedicated service as North Dakota’s lieutenant governor and tax commissioner to his decades as a UND (University of North Dakota) educator and newspaper columnist, Lloyd Omdahl was a constant presence and passionate voice in North Dakota government and politics for over 60 years.”

Burgum added, “We are deeply grateful for his service and commitment to the citizens of North Dakota, as well as his many contributions to our state’s Scandinavian heritage, in which he took great pride.”

The Associated Press confirmed Monday that Omdahl is in the care of Amundson Funeral Home.

According to the funeral home, Omdahl died Sunday at age 93 in Valley Senior Living on Columbia — a nursing home in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Memorial services are scheduled for May 18 at Hope Church in Grand Forks.

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According to The Bismarck Tribune, Omdahl wrote about state politics through his column called North Dakota Matters, which was published in newspapers throughout the state for decades.

“Omdahl has been a rare liberal voice in North Dakota making his commonsense assessment of state and national issues available to North Dakota newspapers at no charge,” North Dakota Newspaper Association Executive Director Cecile Wehrman said, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“I know his humor will be missed greatly, too,” Wehrman added.