Former House speaker Irv Anderson dies at 85

Former Minnesota Rep. Irv Anderson, DFL-International Falls, who served almost a quarter-century in the state House, died Monday. He was 85.

Anderson, a former speaker of the House, retired from the Legislature following the 2006 legislative session.

"Irv Anderson lived a life dedicated to service, whether as a decorated Navy pilot in World War II, a concerned citizen or as a state leader," current Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher said. "Throughout his legislative career, he remained a forceful voice for his consituents and working Minnesotans across the state."

Anderson, who first ran for office in 1964, began serving in the Legislature in the 1960s.

"It is hard to imagine a time or an issue in our state’s recent history that did not benefit from Irv Anderson’s leadership," House Majority Leader Tony Sertich said. "While he was known as a leader on the outdoors and tax policy, he was also extremely proud of his recent work to help create a state memorial to his fellow World War II veterans."

Anderson worked as a paper inspector at a paper mill in International Falls, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and two children.