BISMARCK — Funeral services for North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who died unexpectedly on Friday, are set for Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Bismarck Event Center Exhibit Hall, 315 S. 5th St., Bismarck. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall in the State Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck. Both are open to the public.

Stenehjem, 68, was the longest-serving attorney general in North Dakota history, having held the position for 21 years. He was elected as the state’s 29th attorney general in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. Stenehjem also served in the North Dakota Legislature for 24 years, including four years in the House and 20 years in the Senate, where he was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1995-2000. He announced on Dec. 17 that he would not seek another term in office as attorney general.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to continue flying the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Thursday, Feb. 3, and he encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in honor of Stenehjem and his more than four decades of service to the state.

There’s been an outpour of condolences and accolades since the news of Stenehjem’s death was released including:

Perrie Schafer, North Dakota GOP chairman, said, “His record of service to the State of North Dakota and commitment to the constitution was second to none. He had the courage to stand up for us and to protect our liberties in the face of government overreach.”

Alan Wilson, chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said, “I am devasted by the passing of our dear friend and the ‘Dean’ of the Republican AGs, Wayne Stenehjem. Wayne brought his gentle strength to the fight to make our nation safer, stronger, and freer over the course of his more than four decades in public life. We were lucky to call Wayne our colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed and his death will leave a hole in our ranks.”

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven called Stenehjem “a fierce advocate for the rule of law and the rights of our state’s residents.” U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer added, “Wayne was a true patriot, dedicating his life to public service and our great state. He always fought for what was right.”

“Wayne loved North Dakota as much as anyone I have ever met,” Congressman Kelly Armstrong said. “He was smart, compassionate, and had the most down-to-earth approach to public service. He taught me how to turn legal knowledge into smart policy. I would not be where I am today without Wayne’s friendship.”

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, “The people of North Dakota mourn the loss of this funny, smart and committed public servant.”

Sen. Erin Oban, D-Bismarck, said, “There are no good words for this tragic loss. I had the privilege of being Wayne’s state senator, and he reminded me of that honor and responsibility (with a hearty chuckle, wink, and nod) every chance he got. He was smart, kind, thoughtful, and direct, and he dedicated his entire professional life, skills, talents, and passions to public service. And amidst all the status, authority, and attention that can come with political positions like his, he remained as personable and committed to his greatest loves, his family, as anyone.”

Sen. JoNell Bakke, D-Grand Forks, said, “Wayne Stenehjem was a true statesman, who knew how to work across the aisle to address the needs of all. He was kind, sensitive, and a good listener. I will miss our conversations, his advice, his sense of humor, but mostly his friendship.”

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said, “His work on our state’s sunshine laws, our crime lab, human trafficking and more will be part of his legacy, along with his intellect, wit and charm.”