Gov. Doug Burgum’s statement released on Friday night on the unexpected death of North Dakota’s Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem summed up the man who many – family, friends and colleagues — knew throughout the years.

“Wayne embodied public service, both as a dedicated legislator and the longest serving attorney general in our state’s 133-year history. As the top law enforcement officer in North Dakota for over two decades, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem always put the safety and well-being of our citizens first. North Dakota is a safer place because of his unwavering commitment to law and order, his loyalty to his team members and his utmost respect for our men and women in uniform. State and local government also are more transparent thanks to his strong enforcement of North Dakota’s sunshine laws,” said Burgum.

Wayne Stenehjem got his start in this part of the state. He was born in Mohall in Renville County. Years later, in 2007, he was honored when inducted into the Scandinavian Hall of Fame here in Minot.

Those who knew him said he was so proud of being a North Dakotan and serving the people of this state.

He was a part of all of North Dakota. He was one of us and fought for our rights as North Dakotans and U.S. citizens.

Wayne Stenehjem was a true statesman.