Tag Archive for: Earl Pomeroy

Former Dem-NPL Chair George Gaukler passes away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2025

VALLEY CITY, ND – Valley City developer and former Chair of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL, George Gaukler, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Gaukler served as Chair of the Dem-NPL from 1980-1994. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2025 at the Center for the Arts on the VCSU campus.

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy said, “George Gaukler was a builder. His impact will be felt in the cities of our region for generations. He was a driving force in Valley City’s Economic Development Commission since its founding to present day. He and his beloved wife Audrey generously sponsored programs and community facilities like Valley City’s Gaukler Center, enhancing the quality of life in our area. He was also the most effective State Chairman the Democratic Party has ever had—leading our state to Democratic domination for the period of time he was our leader. To me, he was like an older brother. I tried to follow his golden counsel and always wanted him to be proud of our efforts because he had worked so hard to get us elected in the first place. After retiring from politics, he worked hard on his many projects. He was making notes and giving instructions to his team right till the end. We will sorely miss our friend and leader George Gaukler.”

Larry Robinson, former State Senator District 24 and recently retired as the Executive Director of the Valley City State University Foundation, remarked, “North Dakota lost one of its most prominent businessmen in the passing of Valley City’s George Gaukler. George spent his entire life in real estate development building numerous single family homes and multi-family housing units. George was a visionary and had a passion for improving the quality of life for all. George and his late wife Audrey were pillars in our community, leading and supporting numerous community improvements. George had a big heart and helped many over the course of his life. He was driven and he was a born leader. His passing is a big loss for our community and the state of North Dakota. He will be missed!”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “George Gaukler lived a full and energetic life. He shared his business success by generous philanthropy. He shared his social justice values by mentoring and supporting political candidates. He shared his concerns by challenging organizations when they strayed from their teachings. We are blessed by his life, may George Gaukler rest in peace.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Former Dem-NPL Lawmakers pay tribute to late State Senator and UND associate dean Judy DeMers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2024

GRAND FORKS, ND — Former Democratic-NPL lawmaker associate dean for student affairs and admissions at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences Judy DeMers passed away last week. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Representative Earl Pomeroy, Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel, and Representative Lois Delmore expressed their grief and celebrated their memories of DeMers.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “Judy was a force. When she sunk her teeth into an issue, there was no stopping her, particularly when it meant protecting her beloved profession, nursing. For decades, she was the voice for so many people who did not have a voice. She was a legislator that the Democratic-NPL will always be proud to say ‘she was one of us.’”

Congressman Earl Pomeroy said, “Judy DeMers was a leader in improving North Dakota health care for more than 40 years. I worked with her as a fellow legislator and later as an Insurance Commissioner and Congressman. I found her knowledge and counsel to be incredibly helpful as she applied her medical background to creating sound health policy. Judy was selfless, funny and hugely talented. Her impact will long be felt in North Dakota health care. We are all better for her life’s work.”

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel noted, “When Judy was in the legislature, she stayed at my house for several sessions. I saw her work ethic first hand. The minute the day’s session was done, Judy hauled suitcases of reading materials relevant to the next day’s session and committee meetings to her room, and she stayed up until she had mastered the issues. Then she wrote her testimony – for or against – in short, clear, statements. Then she went to sleep for a few hours, to repeat the next day. On the weekends, she went back to Grand Forks to meet with her constituents. Not only the citizens of Grand Forks, but all citizens of North Dakota were well represented by Judy. She was brilliant and she was the hardest working legislator I have ever known.”

Former Representative Lois Delmore remarked, “Senator Judy DeMers was a strong public servant in the legislature. She was an advocate for women and an inspiration for students at the University of North Dakota Medical School. She was a strong voice for Grand Forks and for the state of North Dakota. I was proud to serve with her and to call her my friend.”

DeMers served in the North Dakota House from 1983 to 1991 and the State Senate from 1993 to 2000. For 27 years, she was the associate dean for student affairs and admissions at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. After retirement in 2010, she moved to Arizona to be closer to her son Bob, daughter-in-law Dawn, and grandson Tyler. DeMers was a marvelous mentor to her grandson, who found his passion in law and will soon graduate from the University of Arizona Law School.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]