Former Lt. Governor Lloyd Omdahl, a pivotal figure in North Dakota’s political landscape, has died at the age of 93.
The Dickinson Press reported that Omdahl passed away in Grand Forks on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy marked by service and intellectual contribution.
Omdahl was born in Conway, northeast North Dakota, and his journey into politics began after he graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1953. He first entered the political arena by joining Governor William Guy's staff in 1961.
By 1963, Omdahl was appointed North Dakota tax commissioner, a position that marked the beginning of his significant influence on state policies. His political career further advanced in 1966 when he became the governor’s director of administration.
Omdahl's connection to education was equally prominent; he joined the political science department at the University of North Dakota in 1967. He spent the next 25 years educating future leaders and serving as director of the UND Bureau for Governmental Affairs.
His extensive career in public service took a notable turn in 1987 when he was elected as the Lt. Governor of North Dakota alongside Governor George Sinner. Omdahl’s tenure continued after Gov. Sinner's reelection in 1988, making them the last Democrats to hold these positions to date.
Omdahl was not only a public servant but also a prolific writer. He penned a weekly newspaper column titled "North Dakota Matters," through which he expressed his views and analyzed state politics up until the last week of March this year.
His columns were known for their incisive analysis and straightforward style, often sparking debate among readers and contributing significantly to public discourse.
Joel Medd, current president of the Franklin Club, of which Omdahl was a past president, announced his death to club members. Medd praised Omdahl, stating, "It's a great loss for the state, with his intellect, his columns, and his influence on people's lives. He was a great friend to so many."
Korrie Wenzel, reflecting on Omdahl's journalistic impact, remarked, "Lloyd was never one to mince words in his writing, which is a unique trait that can at times endear the writer to his readers while at times enraging others. Sometimes, it happens at the same time. That might be the best kind of columnist there is."
His passing marks the end of a storied chapter in North Dakota’s political and educational fields.
Omdahl's influence extended beyond politics into his personal life. He was surrounded by his family, including his children Scott and Becky Omdahl, when he passed away in a comfort care facility in Grand Forks. His wife, Ruth Omdahl, had preceded him in death in November.
The family has expressed that while they grieve, they are comforted by the outpouring of support and the recognition of Lloyd’s contributions to the state.
As North Dakota mourns the loss of a formidable statesman, Lloyd Omdahl's teachings, writings, and policy impacts continue to resonate, underscoring his lasting imprint on the state’s landscape.
In his final column with the headline "Radicals torching North Dakota election laws," Omdahl exhibited his enduring passion for engaging with and influencing state affairs, a testament to his life's work dedicated to governance and public discourse.
This last piece exemplified his commitment to informing and challenging his fellow North Dakotans, a characteristic that defined much of his career.
Omdahl’s voice, though now silent, leaves behind echoes in the corridors of North Dakota’s government and in the pages of its press.
In conclusion, Lloyd Omdahl’s journey from a political scientist to Lt. Governor and a respected columnist encapsulates a life devoted to public service and education. His death is not just the loss of a former politician but the fading of a significant voice in the tapestry of North Dakota's history.
