The wife of Republican Minnesota State Senator Jerry Relph says that her husband died from complications due to COVID-19 on Friday. He was 76.
Pegi Broker-Relph issued a statement Friday evening,
“I'm heartbroken to share that my husband, Jerry Relph, has passed away and entered his heavenly home. Jerry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, an attorney, small businessman, and dedicated public servant in the Minnesota Senate.
“Jerry dedicated his life to service and representing Senate District 14 was one of the highest honors he had. I can’t count the number of times he would come home at night and tell me about helping solve a constituent’s problem, or a story he heard from someone in a parade or at a public event, or even just someone he met during a ‘day on the hill’ event. He loved serving the people of St. Cloud in the Senate, and he cherished every minute of it. Jerry loved diving into the issues, finding compromise, and working together to solve problems and I have no doubt he would have continued solving problems outside the legislature.
“I'd like to thank everyone at the legislature for the relationships and sense of family you provided for us over the last four years. I am profoundly grateful for all the love and support our family has received. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka released a statement following Senator Relph's death:
“Senator Jerry Relph was a true friend and colleague loved by so many. For four years, he rolled up his sleeves and tackled tough issues for our state. Senator Relph will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant. He was already thinking of ways to have an impact on his community after narrowly losing his re-election. We are deeply saddened by his passing and offer our prayers and support to the Relph family.”
Relph tested positive for COVID-19 in November, three days after going into self-quarantine after he discovered he was exposed to the virus. According the Minnesota Republicans, Relph was not at the November 12 special session:
Governor Tim Walz paid tribute to Relph on Twitter:
"Terrible news. As a Vietnam veteran, small business owner, and State Senator, Jerry lived his entire life in service to his community. Gwen and I are keeping his family in our prayers."
Relph is the first Minnesota legislator to die from COVID-19. He represented the 14th district that includes much of St. Cloud and was set to leave office in January after being defeated by DFL candidate Aric Putnam in the November 2020 election.
Relph was not in attendance at the most recent special sessions.
