St. Cloud Sun

Minnesota State Sen. Jerry Relph has died of COVID-19, his wife Pegi Broker-Relph said in a statement.

From St. Cloud, Relph has been a State Senator since 2016 and recently lost reelection. Lawmakers and colleagues gave personal accounts of his deeds and offered praise in the days following. 

“I’m heartbroken to share that my husband, Jerry Relph, has passed away and entered his heavenly home. Jerry was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, an attorney, small businessman and dedicated public servant in the Minnesota Senate," Broker-Relph said in a statement. "I’d like to thank everyone at the legislature for the relationships and sense of family you provided for us over the last four years. I am profoundly grateful for all the love and support our family has received. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka also released a statement about Relph.

"Sen. Jerry Relph was a true friend and colleague loved by so many. For four years, he rolled up his sleeves and tackled tough issues for our state. Sen. Relph will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant. He was already thinking of ways to have an impact on his community after narrowly losing his re-election. We are deeply saddened by his passing and offer our prayers and support to the Relph family," Gazelka said.

The family is asking for privacy at this time.