Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, a champion for working people and advocate for healthcare issues, has passed away at the age of 80. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party confirmed his death, praising him for his dedication to protecting the Northland from corporate interests. Nolan’s support for mining and efforts to improve lung cancer detection and research were well-known, driven by the personal experience of his daughter battling the disease.

Nolan’s political career spanned several decades, with two stints in Congress representing Minnesota. He first won election in 1974 during a Democratic wave and served three terms before opting not to seek reelection in 1980. Nolan later returned to Congress in 2012, winning the 8th District seat previously held by Jim Oberstar. Known for his progressive politics and fiery speeches, Nolan was admired for his ability to work across party lines and motivate others.

In his final year in Congress, Nolan ran as the running mate for Attorney General Lori Swanson in the gubernatorial race, though they were unsuccessful in securing the nomination. Despite his retirement from politics in 2018, Nolan’s legacy lives on in the Democratic stronghold of the 8th Congressional District. His ability to blend progressive policies with support for the natural resource-based economy endeared him to voters, even in a district that saw a political shift after his departure.

Rick Nolan’s dedication to public service and advocacy for the people of Minnesota will be remembered fondly by those who knew and worked with him. His passing marks the end of an era in Minnesota politics, leaving behind a legacy of passion, energy, and commitment to his constituents.

Rick Nolan Remembered as a Unique Leader and Advocate

Rick Nolan, a beloved figure in Minnesota politics, was remembered by friends, colleagues, and elected officials for his dedication to public service and his passion for uplifting future leaders. Alan Netland, president of the Northeast Area Labor Council, described Nolan as a unique individual who could bridge divides and bring people together.

State Sen. Grant Hauschild praised Nolan as “one of a kind” and noted his tireless advocacy for the place he loved. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar called Nolan an incredible friend and a one-of-a-kind leader with a thunderous voice and passion for the people. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz remembered Nolan as a giant in northern Minnesota and Congress, highlighting his advocacy for working people.

Justin Perpich, former 8th District DFL chair, shared a personal anecdote about Nolan’s efforts to secure tariffs on illegal steel to protect steelworkers’ jobs. Perpich also praised Nolan’s advocacy for healthcare for all and his fierce voice for the working class in Washington, D.C.

Nolan’s legacy as a champion for the Iron Range and a skilled retail politician was celebrated by those who knew him best. His ability to connect with people and his commitment to fighting for the working class made him a true leader in Minnesota politics.

As the state mourns the loss of Rick Nolan, his impact on the community and his dedication to public service will be remembered for years to come. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Mary and the entire Nolan family during this difficult time.

Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, who passed away at the age of 80, was a champion for the Northland and a dedicated public servant. Known for his support of mining and work on health care issues, Nolan’s advocacy on lung cancer was personal, as his daughter Katherine battled the disease before her passing in 2020.

Nolan served in Congress in two separate stints, first winning election in 1974 during a Democratic wave and later returning to Congress in 2012 to represent Minnesota’s 8th District. Throughout his career, Nolan was known for his willingness to work across the aisle and his fiery oratory style.

Despite facing challenges in his later years in Congress, Nolan was able to narrowly win a third term in 2016, combining progressive policy stands with support for the natural resource-based economy of the region. His legacy lives on as a dedicated advocate for the people of Minnesota.

Who was Rick Nolan and what impact did he have on Minnesota?

Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, who represented two of Minnesota’s congressional districts in Washington more than 30 years apart, has died at the age of 80.
The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party confirmed Nolan’s death in a statement, calling him a “champion for the Northland who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests.”
The date and cause of Nolan’s death were not immediately announced.
“From Ely to Duluth, he was an ambassador for the DFL creed that ‘we all do better when we all do better.’ Our thoughts are with his family and all who came to know and love this dedicated public servant,” the DFL statement read.

What were some of Rick Nolan’s key accomplishments and causes he championed?

Nolan was known for his support of mining, and work on health care issues — including efforts to improve detection, care, coverage and research for lung cancer. It was a very personal cause, after his daughter Katherine battled lung cancer for more than five years before she died in 2020. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, in a statement remembering Nolan, noted his advocacy on the issue.

What were some significant moments in Rick Nolan’s political career?

After serving in the Minnesota House, he made an unsuccessful run for Congress in Minnesota’s 6th District in 1972. He then won election to the seat in 1974, part of a Democratic wave in the wake of the Watergate scandal. He served three terms before opting against running for reelection in 1980.
In the 1980s, Nolan was appointed by Gov. Rudy Perpich to create the Minnesota World Trade Center — a business development organization aimed at attracting international investment to the state — and served as chairman from 1987 to 1994.
More than 30 years after leaving Congress, Nolan jumped into the race for Minnesota’s 8th District in the 2012 election.

How did colleagues and elected officials remember Rick Nolan?

“So he really was kind of one of those unique individuals who could bridge things,” said Alan Netland, president of the Northeast Area Labor Council.
Other elected officials, colleagues and friends shared remembrances of Nolan on Friday.
State Sen. Grant Hauschild, who represents a northern Minnesota district, posted on social media Friday that Nolan was “one of a kind.”
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar issued a statement calling Nolan “an incredible friend that dedicated his life to public service and his family.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who served alongside Nolan in Congress, remembered him as “a giant in northern Minnesota and in Congress, a tireless advocate for working people, and his speeches could blow the lid off the roof.”

### Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s Legacy
Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, who represented two of Minnesota’s congressional districts in Washington more than 30 years apart, has died at the age of 80. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party confirmed Nolan’s death in a statement, calling him a “champion for the Northland who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests.”

### Nolan’s Political Career
Nolan opted against running for reelection in 2018. In his final year in Congress, Nolan was the running mate of Attorney General Lori Swanson in her run for Minnesota governor in 2018; they lost to Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan in the DFL primary.

### Nolan’s Political Persona
Nolan was known for his willingness to ruffle feathers and work across the aisle, and also for his progressive politics and fiery oratory. Jeff Anderson, who served as Nolan’s chief of staff and district director during his second stint in Congress, described him as an “old-school politician” who could deliver passionate speeches filled with fire and brimstone.

### Nolan’s Political Impact
The 8th Congressional District was long a Democratic stronghold, with powerful support from labor unions on the Iron Range and elsewhere. Nolan, combining progressive policy stands with fierce support for mining and the natural resource-based economy, was able to narrowly win a third term in 2016, during an election where former President Donald Trump won the district.

### Nolan’s Influence on Minnesota Politics
The region has undergone a political shift since Nolan declined to run for reelection in 2018, with Republican Congressman Pete Stauber representing the district ever since. However, Nolan’s unique ability to bridge different ideologies and champion causes such as universal health care left a lasting impact on Minnesota politics.

### Remembering Rick Nolan
Many elected officials, colleagues, and friends shared remembrances of Nolan, highlighting his dedication to public service, his passion for the people, and his tireless advocacy for working-class individuals. Individuals such as State Sen. Grant Hauschild, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Governor Tim Walz, and Justin Perpich, former 8th District DFL chair, expressed their condolences and praised Nolan’s contributions to the state.

### Nolan’s Personal Causes
Nolan was known for his support of mining and his work on health care issues, including efforts to improve detection, care, coverage, and research for lung cancer. His advocacy in these areas was deeply personal, especially after his daughter Katherine battled lung cancer for more than five years before her passing in 2020.

### Conclusion
Rick Nolan leaves behind a legacy as a passionate advocate for the people of Minnesota, a fierce defender of working-class values, and a skilled politician who could energize and motivate audiences with his speeches. His impact on Minnesota politics, especially in the 8th Congressional District, will be remembered for years to come.

Sources: [MPR News](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/06/25/former-us-rep-rick-nolan-dies-at-80) He was a fierce advocate for his constituents, known for his progressive politics and fiery oratory. Nolan’s love for his family, staff, and country translated into boundless energy that fueled his dedicated public service. From his early days on the staff of Walter Mondale to his two stints in Congress, Nolan made a lasting impact on Minnesota politics.

His willingness to work across the aisle and his ability to deliver impassioned speeches endeared him to many. Nolan’s support for universal healthcare and the natural resource-based economy resonated with his constituents, even as the political landscape in the 8th Congressional District shifted over the years.

Nolan’s legacy as a dedicated public servant was honored by many, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz, who remembered him as a giant in northern Minnesota and a tireless advocate for working people. His impact on the Iron Range and beyond will be remembered for years to come. I’ll always remember the impact Rick Nolan had on our community. He was a true champion for the working class, fighting tirelessly to protect jobs and secure fair trade policies. One moment that stands out to me is when he brought Obama Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Range to help secure tariffs on illegal steel, ensuring that steelworkers could continue to support their families. It was a testament to Rick’s dedication and his ability to bring people together to make a difference.

In addition to his work on trade issues, Rick was also a fierce advocate for healthcare for all. He understood the importance of access to quality healthcare and worked hard to ensure that every Minnesotan had the care they needed. His passion for this issue was unmatched, and he never wavered in his commitment to fighting for what was right.

One of the things that set Rick apart was his skill in retail politics. He knew how to work a room or a parade route like no other, connecting with people on a personal level and earning their trust and support. His ability to engage with voters and truly listen to their concerns made him a beloved figure in Minnesota politics.

Today, as we mourn the loss of Rick Nolan, we remember not only his accomplishments but also his warmth and kindness. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Mary and the entire Nolan family during this difficult time. Rick’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all those he touched, and his impact on our community will never be forgotten.

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Overall, Rick Nolan was a true champion for the people of Minnesota, and his dedication to serving his constituents will always be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and a commitment to fighting for what is right. We are grateful for his service and the impact he had on our community. Rest in peace, Rick Nolan.