State Sen. Gary Kubly Of Granite Falls Dies At 68

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP/WCCO) -- A lawmaker says state Sen. Gary Kubly of Granite Falls, who was diagnosed last year with Lou Gehrig's disease, has died. He was 68.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk says Kubly's family told him the senator died Friday.

Kubly was also a Lutheran minister who often led the Senate in its opening prayer.

He was hospitalized at Regions Hospital in St. Paul on Wednesday after suffering cardiac-like symptoms.

Gov. Mark Dayton said he was saddened to learn of Kubly's passing. Dayton described Kubly as a dedicated public servant and an outstanding leader.

"He lived his life with quiet strength and principled dignity, as evidenced by the remarkable courage with which he faced his final illness," Dayton said. "He is an inspiration to all of us, who knew and worked with him."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she was with Kublyand family last month.

"He served his rural district like he served his church, always listening and quietly getting things done," Klobuchar said. "My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pat and his family."

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