According to family and Senate majority leader, state legislator Jerry Relph (R) died of complications from the coronavirus on Friday.
Relph, who was a first-term senator, is reportedly the first state legislature whose death is linked to COVID-19, according to MPR News.
“Jerry dedicated his life to service and representing Senate District 14 was one of the highest honors he had,” his wife, Pegi Broker-Relph, said in a statement, according to MPR News. “I can’t count the number of times he came home at night and told me about helping to solve a voter’s problem, or a story he heard from someone in a parade or at a public event, or even someone who he met at a ‘day on the hill’ event. He loved serving the people of St. Cloud in the Senate, and he cherished every minute of it. “
He was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016, where he filled a vacant seat after the incumbent president failed to apply for re-election. He narrowly defeated Dan Wolgamott, who now serves at the Minnesota House. Relph was 76 years old and a veteran of the Vietnam War.
The legislator went to the emergency room twice in November for coronavirus-related symptoms, but was never hospitalized even after a positive diagnosis. After that, his family remained private about Relph’s condition, the news outlet reported.
State lawmakers shared their condolences and memories of Relph on social media.
My heart is broken by the loss of my friend, co-senator and vice-chair of our aging committee, @SenatorRelph. Jerry was a veteran, attorney, entrepreneur, wonderful husband to Pegi, doting father and passionate senator. He will be sorely missed by all of us and especially MN. pic.twitter.com/w8M43KHOSx
– Karin Housley (@KarinHousley) December 19, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my colleague Senator Jerry Relph. My heart breaks for his loving family. I am so grateful for Jerry’s willingness to work across the aisle with me, and I will always be proud of everything we have accomplished together for the people of St. Cloud. pic.twitter.com/PQEzlPaHb3
– Rep. Dan Wolgamott (@RepWolgamott) December 19, 2020
He is survived by his wife, four stepchildren and two grown children, MPR News reported.