Former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Lloyd Omdahl passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the age of 93.
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Omdahl, known not only for his political career but also as a respected newspaper columnist, spent his final days in comfort care at a Grand Forks facility.
He was surrounded by his son, Scott, and daughter, Becky, at the time of his passing. His wife, Ruth, had preceded him in death in November of the previous year.
“It’s a great loss for the state, with his intellect, his columns, and his influence on people’s lives,” remarked Joel Medd, current president of the Franklin Club, a social group in Grand Forks, where Omdahl had served as past president. “He was a great friend to so many…”
A prominent figure in the Democratic-NPL Party, Omdahl served as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1992.
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He assumed office after being appointed by Governor George Sinner and continued his term when Sinner was reelected the following year.
Born and raised in Conway, North Dakota, Omdahl graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1953. He began his career in public service in 1961, joining the staff of Governor William Guy.
Over the years, he held various positions in state government, including North Dakota tax commissioner and director of administration under Governor Guy.
Omdahl’s tenure as lieutenant governor marked the last Democratic administration in North Dakota. After leaving office, he remained active in state politics through his weekly newspaper column, “North Dakota Matters,” where he shared his insights on political affairs.
His final column, titled “Radicals torching North Dakota election laws,” was published just weeks before his passing.
“Lloyd was never one to mince words in his writing,” noted Korrie Wenzel, Publisher of the Grand Forks Herald. “I always felt Lloyd had a passion for writing and also that he probably felt it was important to inform North Dakotans on the goings-on in state politics.”
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