From left, Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, Tom Weber, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, former US Vice President Kamala Harris, former US President Joe Biden, Gwen Walz and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attend funeral services for Mark and Melissa Hortman at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP, Pool)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO-CBS) — Hundreds gathered Saturday morning at Minneapolis’ Basilica of St. Mary for the private funeral of Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog, Gilbert.
Gov. Tim Walz and Robin Ann Williams, a close friend of the Hortmans, spoke at the service, which was a traditional Catholic Mass said by Father Dan Griffith. Walz also served as a pallbearer.
“Melissa Hortman will be remembered as the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history – and I’ll always remember her as a close friend, a mentor, and the most talented legislator I’ve ever known,” Walz said in his eulogy. “For seven years, I’ve had the privilege of signing her bills into law. And I know that millions of Minnesotans will get to live better lives because she and Mark chose public service.”
Melissa Hortman was remembered for her leadership, sense of humor and strong commitment to doing good work to improve the lives of Minnesotans.
“Her mission was to get as much good done for as many people as possible,” Walz said. “That focus on people is what made Melissa so effective. She knew how to get her way, no doubt about it. But she never made anyone feel like they’d gotten rolled at the negotiating table.”
Mark Hortman shared his wife’s passion for helping others, Walz said, the two having met at a mentorship event in Washington, D.C., more than 30 years ago.
“…There’s a part of the story that belongs only to those of us fortunate enough to know the people behind that legacy,” Walz said. “It takes place at CR’s Billiards, where Mark loved to shoot pool on Monday nights. It takes place in the garden, where Melissa fussed over her lilies like they were wayward members of the caucus. It takes place in the kitchen, where Mark fed his sourdough starter and Melissa mixed margaritas and baked cakes and Gilbert begged for scraps and the sound of laughter filled the air.”
The governor encouraged people to learn from the way the Hortmans lived to honor their legacy.
“Maybe this is a moment when each of us can examine the way we work together, the way we talk about each other, the way we fight for the things we care about. A moment when each of us can recommit to engaging in politics and life the way Mark and Melissa did – fiercely, enthusiastically, heartily, but without ever losing sight of our common humanity,” Walz said. “But let’s not do it because of the way Mark and Melissa died. Let’s do it because of the way they lived, and the way they led. With joy and passion. With respect and empathy. With purpose and humility.”
Griffith said the Hortmans would regularly open their Brooklyn Park home to guests, adding they referred to it as the “Hortman Hotel.”
“Everyone was welcome,” Griffith said. “I can’t believe how Melissa and Mark lived community with that degree of intentionality. It’s a beautiful thing.”
In her eulogy, Williams added that the evenings Mark and Melissa Hortman spent with their friends “held a sacrosanct position” on their calendars.
“We are buried in sorrow right now, but I do believe that we will experience joy again. And Mark and Melissa would not want it any other way,” she said.
Colin Hortman, the son of Mark of Melissa, gave the prayer alongside his fiancée. He recited the Prayer of St. Francis, a copy of which he says Melissa Hortman kept in her wallet.
Among attendees were former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who were invited to the funeral by Walz on behalf of the Hortmans’ children.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar was unable to attend the Hortmans’ funeral in person, but praised their leadership.
“They met as volunteers working to help kids, and that dedication to serving others never wavered,” Klobuchar said in a statement.. “Sophie and Colin said that the best way to honor their parents is ‘to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.’ I can think of no better way to honor Melissa and Mark.”
In the days following their deaths, the Hortman children, in a statement remembering their parents, encouraged people to honor their memory with a list of actions, including baking, petting a dog and planting a tree.
John and Yvette Hoffman, who were shot about 90 minutes before the Hortmans were killed, issued a statement following Saturday’s funeral service.
“We are devastated by the loss of Melissa, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. Their tragic passing has left a profound sadness for all who knew them and whose lives they touched. We all watched the service; it was heartbreakingly beautiful. Our hearts are with the Hortman family in this time of immense grief,” the Hoffmans said.
The Hoffmans continued by saying they “know justice will be served for both of our families” and thanked those who attended the memorial Friday.
“We want you to know we were there with you in spirit,” they wrote.
Comments