Hortman Funeral: Hundreds Pay Respects
- A private funeral Mass was held Saturday at the Basilica of St.
- Gov. Tim Walz, who also served as a pallbearer, delivered a moving eulogy, alongside Robin Ann Williams, a close friend of the Hortmans.
- Walz lauded melissa Hortman as a transformative figure in Minnesota politics.
Hundreds gathered at teh Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, celebrating their commitment to public service and the lasting impact of their work. Gov. tim Walz delivered a moving eulogy, praising Melissa Hortman‘s transformative influence on Minnesota politics, remembering her as a close friend, mentor, and a talented secondary_keyword legislator. Key highlights included personal anecdotes,reflections on their dedication,and the presence of notable figures like former President Joe biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. News Directory 3 provides in-depth coverage. The memorial service underscored the Hortmans’ legacy of leadership and kindness, urging attendees to embrace their values. Discover what’s next in the ongoing remembrance.
Minneapolis Memorial Honors Melissa and Mark Hortman
Updated June 29, 2025
A private funeral Mass was held Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds to remember the lives of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their service dog Gilbert. The memorial service celebrated Melissa Hortman’s legacy and the couple’s shared commitment to public service.
Gov. Tim Walz, who also served as a pallbearer, delivered a moving eulogy, alongside Robin Ann Williams, a close friend of the Hortmans. Father Dan griffith officiated the conventional Catholic Mass.
Walz lauded melissa Hortman as a transformative figure in Minnesota politics. “Melissa hortman will be remembered as the most consequential speaker in Minnesota history,” Walz said, also remembering her as “a close friend, a mentor, and the most talented legislator I’ve ever known.” He noted the lasting impact of her legislative work, stating, “millions of Minnesotans will get to live better lives because she and Mark chose public service.”
Melissa Hortman was remembered for her leadership, humor, and dedication to improving the lives of Minnesotans. Her commitment to public service was a defining characteristic.
Walz emphasized her effectiveness, saying, ”Her mission was to get as much good done for as many people as possible… That focus on people is what made Melissa so effective.” He added, “She knew how to get her way, there’s no doubt whatsoever about it. But she never made anyone feel like they’d gotten rolled at the negotiating table.”
Mark Hortman shared his wife’s dedication to service. Walz noted the couple met at a mentorship event in Washington, D.C., over three decades ago.
Walz shared personal anecdotes, saying, ”…There’s a part of the story that belongs only to those of us lucky enough to know the people behind that legacy.” He recalled memories from “CR’s billiards, where Mark loved to shoot pool on Monday nights” to “the garden, where Melissa fussed over her lilies… 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 urged attendees to honor the Hortmans’ legacy by emulating their approach to life and politics. He encouraged people to “examine the way we work together, the way we talk about each other, the way we fight for the things we care about,” and to 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.”
Griffith shared that the Hortmans regularly welcomed guests into their Brooklyn Park home, affectionately calling it 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 lovely thing.”
Williams noted that evenings spent with friends held a special place in the Hortmans’ lives. “we are buried in sorrow right now,but I do believe that we will experience joy again. And Mark and Melissa would not wont it any other way,” she said.
colin Hortman, the son of mark and Melissa, along with his fiancée, recited the Prayer of St. Francis, a copy of which Melissa Hortman reportedly kept in her wallet.
Among the attendees were former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, invited by Walz on behalf of the Hortmans’ children.
What’s next
The legacy of Melissa and mark Hortman will continue to inspire future generations of Minnesotans to engage in public service and community building.