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Jim Oberstar
1934 - 2014
Jim Oberstar
1934 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1934
DIED
2014
Jim Oberstar Obituary
A statement released by his family said Oberstar died in his sleep. A cause of death was not provided. His former chief of staff, Bill Richard, said Oberstar died at his home in Potomac, Maryland.
Richard said Oberstar was not ill and his passing came as a surprise. Oberstar's family said it was heartbroken.
"Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and brother," the statement said. "While we mourn the loss of a good man, we also celebrate his life and his service. We ask for your thoughts and prayers, and understanding, at this very difficult time."
Oberstar, a Democrat, was elected to Congress in 1974 and served 18 terms before he narrowly lost to GOP challenger Chip Cravaack in 2010 as part of a Republican takeover of the House. He was the state's longest-serving member of Congress, and became chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2006.
After he lost to Cravaack, Oberstar said he had loved serving northeastern Minnesota; his district included Duluth and the Iron Range.
"I can't change and wouldn't change any of the votes I cast this year to bring us out of this worst recession, chart a course for the future, to lay a foundation for a better America, a better quality of life, a better quality of health care, rein in financial institutions, to give everybody equal opportunity and a better quality of life," he said after his 2012 loss. "I wouldn't change any one of those things."
Oberstar was the son of an underground miner from Chisholm. The family statement says he was grounded in the hard work, community and family loyalty of the Iron Range region.
"He was active and vivacious and went to one of the grandchildren's plays the night before," Richard said Saturday. "He was going to do more things with the grandchildren today. ... It's a surprise to everyone. I had lunch with him last week and he was in great shape, and alert and physically fit."
Oberstar is survived by his wife, Jean, four children and eight grandchildren.
___
AMY FORLITI, Associated Press
Associated Press writer Brian Bakst in St. Paul contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
50 Entries
May 4, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family.
Richard Sinatra
November 29, 2016
To Jim's beloved family:
Our Lady of Mercy Church misses Jim at Sunday 7am masses...his powerful lectoring will be remembered for years...and years.
God bless Jim, may he rest in eternal peace.
Respectfully,
Richard Sinatra
Potomac, Maryland
richard ( Beno) Rosati
September 3, 2015
We had a childhood promise that the survivor of the two of us would do the eulogy for the other I was in the hospital in Duluth man when I was informed of obes passing and could not make it .i have been distraut since than
How you can show support
Richard rosati(beno)
September 3, 2015
Will never forget Jim Louie and Mary were Like my mother father and brother we were co- captains in 1952 and long time Chums
Jim speaking at the Mineta Transportation Institute board meeting, January 2012
Donna Maurillo
July 24, 2014
We still miss you, Jim. Our Mineta Transportation Institute board meetings aren't the same without your sage advice and loquacious insights. You were loved and admired.
Joseph Phil Thrash
May 21, 2014
My condolences go to family and friends of The Honorable James L. Oberstar. I had the honor to meet Chairman/ Representative Oberstar in an April 3, 2008, House Hearing on FAA Abuses in Voluntary Disclosure Programs. He was a prince of a person. I invited him to sit by my "campfire" any time, to which he said, "he would." He is remembered.
RIP Honorable James L. Oberstar; thank you for your wisdom and leadership.
Sincerely,
Joseph Phil Thrash
Lufkin, Texas
JPW
May 17, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that God knows how you feel and he wants you to throw your burden on him because he cares for you.
tana Harvey
May 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family. I knew him to be such a wonderful man.
May 14, 2014
My condolences to the Oberstar family. Drawing close to God can bring much needed comfort. James 4:8
May 10, 2014
To the family of Jim Oberstar: My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of great loss and sadness. You have lost your loved one and I have lost a good friend. May he Rest in Peace!
Jim Vitali, Isanti, MN
Tina
May 10, 2014
Jim was loved by his friends and family, especially his beloved wife, Jean.
We are all on the same train in life, but those awaiting who are in the sleeper car are awaiting to be resurrected for a beautiful paradise earth where no one will sick or in pain. Jim will return to the vigor of his youth.
Dianne
May 9, 2014
I am sorry for your loss and hope that you find comfort in knowing the Jim Oberstar is indeed precious in God's eyes.
SJeanay Willis Bolden
May 8, 2014
May God Bless you and keep you in your time of grief. Ted, you and family are in my prayers.
May 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Oberstar family. I know this is very hard to cope with but please keep in my that God cares for you all. Isaiah 51:12.
David & Charlotte Tomassoni
May 8, 2014
Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the family of Jim. He was a good friend and champion of the people and there may never be another like him. Rejoice in the accomplishments and wonderful memories of a truly incredible man. All the best.
May 8, 2014
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I hope you find some healing in God and his word during this most grievous time. Never forget that God is a refuge during time of distress. Psalm 9:9
CJ
May 8, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. May the true God of comfort be with friends and family during this time of sorrow.
May 8, 2014
to all who knew and loved Jim, i am so sorry for your loss. may you find comfort for God will wipe away the tears from all faces (Isaiah25:8)
Richard Allen
May 8, 2014
Jim has many friends and I am happy to be one of them. He was always upbeat and kind to everyone. He was a great Congressman who got things done. As a former native of Int'l Falls, I'm happy that that the Voyageur National Park Headquarters is named after him. Thank you, Jim, for your model life and many accomplishments. Your life is an inspiration to all who knew you.
May 7, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
May 7, 2014
To the Oberstar family,
May you find comfort in your memories during this difficult time.
Daneen
May 7, 2014
My condolences to the family. May the God of comfort strengthen you in this time of sudden loss.
Richard Nordvold
May 7, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to you. It will be difficult to imagine life on the Iron Range without Jim. He devoted his entire life in service to every community in the vast eighth district. We thank each of you for sharing him with us throughout his career as an aide to Congressman Blatnik and the 34 years Jim served in the same position. What a legacy he leaves. He will be missed and never be forgotten.
God Bless,
Richard A. Nordvold
Former Mayor
Hibbing, Minnesota
Joseph Boyle
May 7, 2014
Congressman Oberstar lived a life that benefited everyone in the state,country, and world. He lived and practiced his faith throughout his life. I was honored to go to church with him, and even more importantly see him do so many things to benefit humanity including members of my own family. What a wonderful life to witness and celebrate!
May 7, 2014
With deepest condolences. We are never prepared for such a deep loss so I hope you find some comfort in the memories & joys you had and know sickness, pain and death that we deal with now will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
Richard Sinatra
May 7, 2014
Jim was larger than life. I knew Jim via Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac. His volunteer work as a lector (7am mass) was inspirational, memorable, powerful.
While I didn't know Jim overly well or long, his example and friendship meant so much.
God bless Jim, may he rest in eternal peace.
My prayers to the Oberstar family.
Respectfully,
Richard Sinatra
Potomac, Maryland
May 6, 2014
May you find comfort in knowing God is listening to your prayers! Psalms 65:2. Sorry for the loss of your loved one.
May 6, 2014
I am really sorry to hear of your great loss.
Soon the God of all comfort will remove death forever.
david w pinkston
May 6, 2014
bicycling's friend in congress for a long time. thank you for your efforts.
ROSALIE moncada
May 6, 2014
ROSALIE MONCADA
May the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give you the strength and comfort that He can only give to His childrenfrom VIP
Psalm 27;1-4
Arthur Meincke
May 6, 2014
Representative Oberstar was a "Statesman." Minnesota has lost a good friend.
May 6, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the Oberstar Family.
May the Hearer of Prayer ( Psalm 83:18; Psalm 65:2) grant you the needed strength, courage and the sweetest peace during your time of grief.
Juanita, Jacksonville, Fla.
May 6, 2014
With deepest condolences. We are never prepared for such a deep loss so I hope you find some comfort in the memories & joys you had and know sickness, pain and death that we deal with now will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
K.Malpass, NC
May 6, 2014
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved oned. Please continue to lean on family, friends and God for comfort during these trying times.
Dara Gideos
May 5, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Oberstar's untimely death. I worked in the aviation industry for ten years and he was very well-respected and well-liked in the industry. When I later worked for him in the House, he was consistently kind and respectful of his colleagues and staff. His self-deprecating humor and personal touch made him approachable and a wonderful leader. I sometimes discuss my belief that, despite what many seem to think, most of our representatives have the best intentions, work hard for the common good, and are not in their mostly thankless line of work for personal enrichment. Mr. Oberstar is one reason I believe that. He was the epitome of a public servant and I had hoped his 2010 loss would mean a well-deserved enjoyable retirement. We've lost one of the good guys. Warm condolences to the Oberstar family.
Judy Conley
May 5, 2014
Dear Ted,Noelle,Annie and Monica,
Your mom's classmates from Sacred Heart were so sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a wonderful man and took such good care of her in her final months. We'll miss them both but they're now back together. Please be assured of our prayers.
Love, Anne,carol,Irene,Sue,Ellen and Judy
May 5, 2014
THE EYES OF ALMIGHTY GOD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS ONES,AND HIS EARS ARE TOWARD THEIR CRY FOR HELP..PSLM.34:15...OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS THERE FOR YOU....NORTH CAROLINA
May 5, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Dara Schlieker
May 5, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Oberstar and always considered him our "fearless leader". I will never forget when my husband passed that he took time out to come down and talk to me and console me. He will be genuinely missed.
Jaye Olson
May 5, 2014
Our family will forever miss "our elder statesman." Jimmy was the curator of our family history and so proud of our heritage. His love for all of us was ever present and was often woven into his stories as well as his policy leadership. He lived a life of great faith that helped all of us to remember that doing good for others was not a political mandate but a spiritual calling. We will forever miss you.
Myron Jones, Funeral Director
May 4, 2014
May Gods choicest Blessings be with this Family - in this hour.
Jayne Niemi
May 4, 2014
We Chisholm Slovenians are very proud of our very own Congressman Oberstar. He did much good for our state and serves as a model of a fine public servant. Please accept our thanks for sharing him with the public, and our condolences for your loss.
Alice Anne English
May 4, 2014
Mary Catherine and Alice Anne English are praying for all the Oberstars and remembering the happy times spent with all of them.
May 4, 2014
My most profound condolences go out to the Oberstar family and friends. Drawing close to our creator, the hearer of prayers, helps us theough such a difficult times. Psalms 65:2
Franciska Trdan-Oberstar Gros
May 4, 2014
For James Oberstar, today rang the church bells in Jurjevica/Slovenia,
native village of his great-grandfather Andrej
(he was brother of my great-grandfather Anton).
We express our deep condolence to James' family!
Franciska Trdan-Obestar Gros and family
May 4, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
May 4, 2014
May the Almighty God of the universe be with the Oberstar family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God is love and He want you to always draw close to Him especially at this time of deep sorrow.
May 3, 2014
May 3
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear beloved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
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