by Dennis Dalman
Former U.S. Sen. David Durenberger of Minnesota, who died on Jan. 31, at the age of 88, was eulogized Feb. 7 as “a man with a higher purpose who led our country to a higher place.”
Those words were spoken by current U.S. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar during his funeral held at St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville. Magnificent organ music, inspirational singing and prayers accompanied the funeral service.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also delivered a eulogy, praising Durenberger for his instant, kind and caring connections to all people he met of whatever social status. He was, Walz said, “the smartest person in the room,” “a really fine teacher” and “a calm in the storm.”
Speakers at the funeral also included Durenberger’s four sons and a few of his 14 grandchildren. His widow, Susan, sat in the front row with family members. Others who attended the funeral were former Minnesota governors Mark Dayton, Tim Pawlenty and many other civic and political dignitaries who knew and admired Durenberger throughout his life.
Sons’ memories
At the funeral service, taking turns speaking from the lectern, Durenberger’s four sons shared memories of their father.
Charlie, the oldest son, said community, friends, family, faith and helping the vulnerable were what his father loved the most.
“He was extremely proud of his hard-working staff,” Charlie said.
Son Mike, second oldest, said when he and his brothers were small boys, their mother died at an early age (only 31) of breast cancer. After that devastating loss, their father was “always there” for them, always supportive, always loving.
“Dad was intelligent, passionate, selfless, exuberant and always fun to be around,” Mike said.
Dave, Jr., third oldest, said his father’s memory was “phenomenal” for even the small, personal moments he’d shared with so many friends, acquaintances and people he would chance to meet.
Dan, the youngest son, said his father’s passion for his work came directly from a “foundational” love based on his abiding faith. He was, Dan said, a great listener.
“Dad, you kept the faith,” he said. “You will now be rewarded. Rest in peace, Dad. We love you.”
Eulogies
Durenberger was a graduate of St. John’s Prep School and St. John’s University, where his father, George, was the athletic director for four decades. His mother, Isabelle, was a long-time SJU staff member. Durenberger grew up in Collegeville and loved the prep school, the university and the abbey from which he absorbed and learned to cherish the Benedictine values of caring, kindness and service to others. Many speakers at the funeral emphasized how Durenberger’s legislative work to improve all people’s lives was always guided by his faith in God and his adherence to the gospel messages of Jesus Christ.
Klobuchar recalled how when she was first elected to the U.S. Senate, then-retired Sen. Durenberger had lunch with her at a restaurant to give her advice about the pitfalls of life in that nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. can “eat you up,” he warned her. He gave her a book on the teachings of Jesus and encouraged her to join in on the U.S. Senate prayer breakfasts, which she did and would often read from and find strength and guidance in the book Durenberger gave her.
Speakers also praised Durenberger for his abilities to work with Democrats and to compromise if necessary while keeping a sharp focus on an overarching goal: to improve the health and well-being of all people.
Achievements
Just some of Durenberger’s historic legislative achievements include pushing for passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act, health-care reforms, laws and regulations to prevent pollution, protection of natural resources and parklands (including, to name one) Minnesota’s Boundary Waters area, supporting the Civil Rights Restoration Act, the National Community Service Act (AmeriCorps) and many other legislative successes that still resonate in the lives of all Americans.
Durenberger was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978 in a special election after the death of Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey. He was re-elected twice, serving a total of 16 years, deciding not to file for re-election in 1995.
The U.S. Senate censured him in 1990 for violations of laws regarding speaking fees and travel reimbursements. Durenberger acknowledged to his Senate colleagues he’d made mistakes and would work hard to redress those failures. After he retired from the Senate, he worked as a teacher, a mentor, a book author and as an expert on health-care issues.
Disgusted by the radical fringe groups and infighting that had erupted in the Republican Party, Durenberger announced in 2005 he would thenceforth be an Independent but definitely not a Democrat. Nevertheless, he said Democrats are better equipped to handle health-care reform, and he decided to endorse Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in their campaigns for the presidency.
Durenberger was a corporate lawyer in the Twin Cities area, a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and an executive secretary to Minnesota Republican Gov. Harold LeVander before embarking on a political career of his own.
Durenberger died of natural causes at his St. Paul home surrounded by family. He was interred in the St. John’s Abbey cemetery right after his funeral in a private ceremony attended by close family members.
Survivors include his wife, Susan; four sons; two stepchildren; and 14 grandchildren.
David Durenberger, who died Jan. 31, served in the U.S. Senate for 16 years.
