One of Minnesota District 3A Representative David Dill’s last official visits to Cook County was for the groundbreaking for the expansion of the Superior National at Lutsen golf course in October 2013. Representative Dill was a great advocate for the North Shore.
The Northland was saddened to hear that Representative David Dill passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Dill was 60 years old.
Unbeknownst to many, Dill (DFLCrane Lake) had been undergoing treatment for cancer and was admitted to the Mayo Clinic in mid-July. It was the latest in a series of health problems. Dill suffered from diabetes and underwent a kidney transplant in 2010.
Dill represented District 3A, the largest House district by area, reaching from the North Shore, along the U.S. – Canadian border to International Falls. Despite the size of the district, he was a great advocate for Cook County.
Dill was chair of the House Lands Subcommittee and served on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. He also served on the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB).
Dill was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but his family had a cabin on Crane Lake. He moved to the region full-time in 1980. Before winning the House of Representatives seat in 2002, he served as the city administrator for Orr.
Bill Hansen of Tofte, who faced Dill in that somewhat contentious election cycle, said he was sad to hear the news about his former opponent.
“He was an able legislator. He was certainly committed to the district,” said Hansen, adding, “We didn’t agree on everything—but there were a lot of things we did agree on.”
“I always enjoyed meeting with Dave. We eventually joked about the election,” said Hansen.
Republican candidate Eric Johnson of International Falls ran against Dill in 2014. Dill won the election with 65 percent of the vote. Johnson said he had the greatest respect for his opponent. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Representative Dill. He was a great public servant for not only District 3A but for all of Minnesota. His loved ones will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Johnson said to the Cook County News-Herald.
Howard Hedstrom, president of Hedstrom Lumber Company in Grand Marais, said he could only echo the many comments that have been made about Dill. “He was a good friend. I’ve known him a long time, I was an early supporter. He proved to be an excellent legislator. He did everything well, he was passionate about doing things right.
“He was accused by some in Cook County of being ‘conservative,’ but that represents the district overall. He was very adept at working with others, whether he agreed with them or not,” said Hedstrom.
Grand Portage Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe voiced similar sentiments. “I really respected the man. He helped us out a lot. He was willing to listen to every side of an issue.
“He was a down-to-earth guy. I’m really sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good friend,” said Deschampe.
Minnesota’s Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan issued a statement when he heard the news, noting, “David Dill was an outspoken leader who represented his constituents in northeastern Minnesota with incredible passion and dedication. His work and advocacy on behalf of sports men and women and our natural resource and tourist-based economy epitomized the reasons we live here. He loved the land. He loved to hunt and fish and be out of doors. And he was determined to pass those experiences forward to future generations of residents and visitors alike.
“We will miss him very much. Mary and I join his many friends in sending our condolences to his wife, Tucky, and his son Drake.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar also recognized Dill’s natural resource work. She said, “David was a giant in Minnesota politics who left his mark through an unwavering commitment to our great outdoors. Throughout his time working at the state capitol, he was a tireless advocate for the people of his district and for the state of Minnesota. Those of us who were lucky enough to have worked with him are better for it. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
In recent years, in addition to working at the Capitol, he and his son, Drake, became owners and operators of Thunderhook Fly-Ins near Armstrong, Ontario. Dill was able to combine two of his passions outside of representing the public—flying and the outdoors.
Funeral services will be held for Representative David Dill on Saturday, August 15 at 3 p.m. at Backus Auditorium, 900 5th Street, International Falls, Minnesota.
What will happen to Representative David Dill’s House seat?
The Minnesota Constitution, Article IV, Section 4 states that the governor shall call elections to fill vacancies in either house of the legislature. The governor does so by issuing a Writ of Special Election within five days after the vacancy, so at press time the timeline for the special election is not yet known.
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