Minnesota senators pay tribute to Sen. Kari Dziedzic, hold moment of silence

The Minnesota Senate paused its opening-day proceedings to offer tributes and a moment of silence for Sen. Kari Dziedzic, whose death the chamber acknowledged at the start of the session.

Senate leaders and members from both parties described Dziedzic as a collaborative, studious lawmaker who prioritized problem-solving and constituent service. Many members recalled her willingness to work across the aisle, her attention to detail and long hours, and her efforts on issues ranging from environmental funding to insurance coverage for cancer patients’ wigs.

Sen. Erin P. Murphy, who led the floor motion adopting the temporary organization, credited Dziedzic’s example during remarks explaining the need for a cooperative organizing framework. Murphy told colleagues the agreement to organize the Senate reflected trust between leaders and urged support for the resolution so legislating could begin.

Multiple senators delivered personal remembrances on the floor. Sen. Mohamed (as identified on the floor) said Dziedzic "was the ultimate teammate and a public servant," noting that Dziedzic reached out to help new candidates. Sen. John Klein recalled that Dziedzic presented her final bill remotely while ill and pushed through a measure to help cancer patients preserve dignity by ensuring insurance coverage for wigs.

Sen. Mark T. Johnson described Dziedzic’s legacy as "the relationships, the stories" she left behind and said her work created a lasting legacy for the institution. Several senators read music and poetry in the chamber as part of the tributes; the floor included a reading of "The Road Home" and the hymn "Be Still, My Soul."

The session concluded the tributes with a moment of silence. Sen. Murphy read a brief passage from Dziedzic’s visitation remarks: "This is a day to celebrate life. I had an amazing and interesting life. ... Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory." Members then rose for a moment of silence.

Why it matters: The tributes highlighted Dziedzic’s role in the Senate’s recent work and framed the temporary organizing agreement as shaped in part by her style of leadership and emphasis on collaboration.

What was said (selected quotes)

- "She was the ultimate teammate and a public servant." — Sen. Mohammed (floor remarks). - "She was a champion for families, working people, and those who struggle." — Sen. Debbo (floor remarks). - "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory." — Excerpt read by Sen. Erin P. Murphy from Dziedzic’s visitation remarks.

Sources: remarks and readings on the Senate floor as recorded in the official transcript.