Rep. Diane Loeffler passes away

UPDATED 10:45 a.m. Nov. 19

Rep. Diane Loeffler (DFL-Mpls) passed away Saturday.

An email from House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), said that Loeffler, serving her eighth term in the House, “had battled cancer, and recently the cancer returned.”

Loeffler, 66, chaired the House Property and Local Tax Division. She also served on the full House Taxes Committee and the health and human services committees, as she has throughout the majority of her legislative career.

In a statement, Hortman said, "Diane was dedicated to helping people in Minnesota who were the most vulnerable -- the sick, the elderly, and those with disabilities. She was unfailingly kind to her colleagues. In the spring, tulips from Diane's garden graced many desks in the House Chamber."

Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) posted the following on Twitter: "Speechless on the loss of my colleague and friend @reploeffler today. She was a fierce advocate for her constituents, for those in need, and for Minnesota. Peace to all who knew and loved her."

"Gwen and I send our deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and loved ones of Rep. Loeffler. She exemplified servant leadership throughout her 15 years serving in the MN House. She was a fierce advocate for her community, and will truly be missed in #mnleg," tweeted Gov. Tim Walz.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 23 at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE in Minneapolis. A time for people to share their thoughts is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. 

Walz said Monday he has not decided when a special election will be held to fill the seat.

READ: 2005 New member interview