Former U.S. Representative for Minnesota Rick Nolan passed away Friday, October 18th. His wife Mary Nolan says he struggled with heart issues and paramedics were unable to revive him. In the past week, Rep. Nolan was out campaigning for Democratic candidates on the Iron Range.

Hailing from Brainerd Minnesota, Rick Nolan dedicated his political career to middle class families and mining in Minnesota. He first started in the Minnesota House of Representatives back in early 1970’s. Although he took a break from being a civil servant for over 30 years. However he would run and win the election to be the U.S. Representative of Minnesota’s 8th district in 2013.

In one of his campaign ads back in 2012, Nolan talked about how important family is to people who live in Minnesota

“I grew up here, my family’s been here for six generations. We hunt, we fish, garden, harvest maple syrup. We know what hard work is all about,” Nolan said. “I spent my life running a sawmill and a pallet factory. I worked with Governor Rudy Perpich helping to create over 3,000 jobs. If we’re going to rebuild this country, we’ve got to rebuild the middle class. Work a little harder. That’s the Minnesota way.”

Still a Northlander at heart, worked to help folks living on the Iron Range and providing jobs to middle class families. Rep. Nolan also said back in 2012, he would continue a career in politics on two conditions.

“Two things you know health and the voters permitting I’d like to serve another ten years if I could. I’m just so full of optimism about the prospects of being able to make a difference,” Nolan said. “It feels pretty darn good.”

Rep. Nolan would then retire from politics after losing the gubernatorial election in 2018. But Nolan said his retirement was a warm welcome. He would focus more on being with his wife and children for the rest of his lifetime.

“It’s more of a reminder of life and in many respects, how fleeting and quickly it can be in passing. There’s a time and a season for everything,” Nolan said. ” have a wonderful family. And they’ve been so supportive of me over the years.”

Also several members of congress who worked with former U.S. Representative Nolan have released statements about his passing we have their remarks available here.