North Dakota House adopts memorial resolution honoring 24 former representatives

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota House of Representatives adopted House Memorial Resolution 7001 on March 13, 2025, honoring 24 former members who died since the previous biennium and directing enrolled copies of the resolution to be presented to surviving family members.

The resolution was introduced and placed for immediate consideration during a memorial service in the chamber. Representative Bosch moved to resolve the House into a memorial service; the motion was seconded and carried. Representative Bosch later moved that the rules be suspended so the resolution could be read in full and placed on the calendar for immediate second reading and final passage; that motion also carried. The House then voted “aye” for adoption and the resolution was declared adopted.

House Memorial Resolution 7001 expresses sorrow at the passing of the former members and appreciation, on behalf of the people of North Dakota, for their service. Secretary of State Michael Howe presented enrolled copies of the resolution and a rose to a family representative as names were read aloud.

During the service, committee and chamber leaders acknowledged the families and the former members. Majority Leader Mike Lefor said, "Because of the strides and sacrifices made by each of them, North Dakota is a better place." Assistant Minority Leader Gretchen Dobrovich said, "We reflect and left an indelible mark on our state," in remarks honoring the former legislators.

The memorial committee chair, Representative Kerry McLeod, presided over the service. Representative Longmire read the list of deceased former representatives and family members rose to receive enrolled copies and roses as names were read. The House choir and other members offered music and a poem as part of the ceremony.

Names read during the service (age, service summary, place, date of death as read aloud): Joshua David Christy, 43, served in the 60th and 609th legislative assemblies from District 27, Fargo; died 02/18/2025. Judy L. Demers, 79, served in the 408th–506th legislative assemblies and in the senate from Districts 17 and 18; died 03/12/2024. Ellen Gail Erickson, 86, served in the 502nd legislative assembly from District 3, Cooper; died 05/07/2024. Odell Donald Floggin, 85, served in the 50th–502nd assemblies from District 23, Tolna; died 04/30/2024. William Frederick Gackle, 95, served multiple assemblies from Districts 24 and 28; died 07/30/2023. Moyne Ray Gates, 82, served in multiple assemblies from District 43, Grand Forks; died 04/27/2023. Kathy Hawken, 76, served in many assemblies from District 46, Fargo; died 12/02/2023. Neil Barry Hensrud, 84, served in the 404th legislative assembly from District 18, Grand Forks; died 01/22/2025. James Eugene Kifer, 80, served in the 402nd assembly from District 22; died 09/13/2023. Richard William Klobek, 92, served in multiple assemblies from Districts 21, 46 and 51, Fargo; died 06/07/2023. Charles F. Mertens, 91, served in many assemblies from District 15, Devils Lake; died 04/13/2024. David Henry Montplaisir Sr., 87, served in the 309th assembly from District 10, West Fargo; died 10/02/2023. Donald B. Moore, 89, served in the 402nd assembly and in the senate from District 28, Forbes; died 11/30/2023. Robert Keith “Bob” Muse Sr., 97, served in the 502nd assembly from District 7, Dickey; died 07/24/2023. Rosemarie C. Myrtle, 94, served in multiple assemblies from District 11, Edinburg; died 10/11/2023. Mark S. Owens, 67, served in several recent assemblies from Districts 17 and 18, Grand Forks; died 04/28/2024. Winston Monroe Cash, 88, served in the 401st assembly from District 18, Grand Forks; died 03/28/2024. Neil Hubert Romfoe, 94, served in the 407th assembly from District 10, Langdon; died 04/29/2023. Daniel Frederick Rylance, 81, served in the 404th–405th and 431977–1978 (as read); died 11/28/2023. Randy A. Schoebinger, 54, served in the 605th–608th assemblies and in the senate in multiple sessions; died 08/13/2024. Charles Leo Schofield, 99, served in the 403rd–406th assemblies from District 1, Williston; died 11/22/2024. Dorvin Solberg, 89, served in the 506th–60th assemblies from District 2, Ray; died 01/21/2024. Herbert Yurlacher (Herb Yurlacher), 91, served in the 501st–502nd assemblies and in the senate in multiple sessions from Districts 36 and 38, Taylor; died 10/29/2023. Gary M. “Slim” Williamson, 86, served in the 309th and 40th assemblies from Districts 29 and 5, Minot; died 06/24/2023.

The memorial resolution notes that 24 former representatives were honored; the memorial committee reported 13 families attended with 87 family members present. The resolution was ordered printed in the House journal and enrolled copies are to be delivered to surviving family members by the Secretary of State.

After the resolution was adopted and enrolled copies presented, Representative Bosch moved that the memorial service be dissolved; the motion was seconded and carried. The chamber then returned to its regular order of business and invited family members to a reception in Memorial Hall.

Votes listed in the record were taken by voice; no roll-call tallies are specified in the transcript.