DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota Democratic State Representative and St. Louis County Commissioner Tom Rukavina has died after a battle with leukemia, according to KARE 11's Duluth sister station, KBJR.
DFL Chairman Ken Martin issued this statement:
“I’m terribly saddened to learn about the passing of my friend, former State Representative Tom Rukavina. As a longtime representative in the Minnesota Legislature, Tom was a bulldog for, not only his constituents on the Iron Range, but all of the working men and women in Minnesota. Tom Rukavina was known for his honesty, his authenticity, and his advocacy for those trying to build a better life for their families. Today Minnesota lost a one-of-a-kind individual who left a deep impression on everyone who knew him. My thoughts and best wishes are with his entire family.”
Republican Pete Stauber issued the following statement on the passing of his former fellow St. Louis County Board member Tom Rukavina:
“I am sad to hear that Tom Rukavina has passed away. He was a passionate supporter of our Iron Range and cared deeply about Minnesota. My prayers are with his entire family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar also sent out a statement, saying:
“Minnesota and the Iron Range have lost a true champion for workers. Tom Rukavina understood the dignity of hard work, and was a force for Iron Range workers and their families. He spent nearly three decades in elected office on the Range fighting for miners and bringing good-paying union jobs to the region. As Tom would tell it, he was for the little fellers, not the Rockefellers—a tribute to his friend and the late Senator Paul Wellstone, who died in a plane crash on his way to attend a funeral for Tom’s father, Bennie. Tom also taught his children the value of service. His daughter, Ida, leads my Northern Minnesota office and shares her father’s strength and tenacity. My prayers are with Ida and the entire Rukavina family today.”
