Minnesota senators pay extended tributes to former Sen. Bruce Anderson and pause to sing "Amazing Grace"

The Minnesota Senate used part of its Feb. 19 session to deliver tributes to former Senator Bruce Anderson following his recent passing. Senators from across the chamber, including Lucero, Gruenhagen, Lang, Putnam, Gustafson, Lemmer, Matthews, Johnson, Nelson and others, recalled Anderson’s military service, long legislative tenure, dedication to veterans’ issues, and personal mentorship.

Speakers described Anderson as a “steady, humble, dependable” presence who combined faith with public service. Several senators recounted personal anecdotes: Lucero noted weekly Bible studies shared with Anderson; Lang highlighted Anderson’s 27 years in uniform and 31 years in the legislature as an example of long public service; Johnson described Anderson’s warmth and his work on veterans oversight, including a Minneapolis veterans home oversight hearing.

Senator Grudenhagen moved for a recess for members to sing the first verse of “Amazing Grace” in Anderson’s honor; the motion carried and members stood and sang. Majority Leader Murphy had asked earlier that members finish remarks and adjourn so those who wished to sing could do so; members then observed a moment of silence and proceeding to the recess.

The Senate then adopted routine business items and adjourned until Monday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. Several members thanked Anderson’s family, who were present in the gallery, and the chamber directed the secretary to prepare an enrolled copy of an honorary resolution for Anderson’s family as appropriate.

The tributes emphasized Anderson’s bipartisan respect and his focus on veterans; no formal policy actions directly tied to the tributes were recorded in the transcript.