歪歪漫画

BREEZY POINT, Minn. 鈥� The parking lots were packed at Breezy Point Resort on Saturday, Oct. 26, as people gathered from around the state to remember former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan.

Nolan, who died Thursday, Oct. 17, at age 80, was originally from Brainerd and a graduate of Brainerd High 歪歪漫画. He served as the U.S. representative from Minnesota鈥檚 8th Congressional District from 2013-2019.

He previously served as the U.S. representative from Minnesota鈥檚 6th Congressional District from 1975-1981 and represented District 53A in Morrison County in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1969-1973.

Nolan鈥檚 son-in-law, Danny Heggerston, hosted the celebration of life ceremony.

Heggerston thanked all those who were able to attend the standing-room-only ceremony. He gave special recognition to Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for attending, as well as other elected officials.

He noted that holding the memorial service at Breezy Point Resort had a special significance.

鈥淩ick Nolan鈥檚 political career started right here at Breezy Point Resort. Yes, Rick Nolan, the bellhop. Rick loved being a bellhop for the famed Captain Billy Fawcett. This is where I believe he honed his craft. Being a bellhop is where Rick learned what can be gained by good looks, charisma and a great story. Rick would love this room here today,鈥� Heggerston said.

Tom Fraki / Echo Journal

鈥淲hether he was meeting you for the first time or for the 100th time, he would look you in the eye, shake your hand, or pull you in for a hug. He made you feel like there was nobody else in the world he wanted to talk to more than you,鈥� he said, to whispers of agreement.

Mike Hollenhorst, one of Nolan鈥檚 cousins and lifelong friends, delivered the eulogy and spoke of their families, their shared Irish heritage, growing up together, how Nolan鈥檚 interest in politics developed during their time in college, and finding time for everything else in life.

鈥淲hen Rick wasn鈥檛 traveling with us or others, he went to every sporting event he could for his grandkids. He loved trees. He tapped trees for maple syrup. He went ricing, hunting, fishing, mowing at the farm, which he did on the day before he died, and he visited the sick and dying, including my parents,鈥� Hollenhorst said. 鈥淵ou had to love the guy. He just was so good, so enthusiastic, and made people so happy.鈥�

In a speech, Klobuchar commented on Nolan鈥檚 ability to bring people together and look out for their interests.

鈥淗e, with that incredible ability to bring people in, showed up in Washington. Going from Brainerd, Minnesota, to Washington, D.C.,鈥� Klobuchar said.

鈥淭hat was Rick, the scrapper who went from being a bellhop in Breezy Point to the halls of the United States Congress twice. And through it all, he never lost his devotion to serving the Northland, to serving our state. Rick Nolan, the Northland comeback kid. Rick Nolan, our favorite rabble-rouser. Rick Nolan is someone who truly believes it鈥檚 a wonderful world. Rick Nolan, our friend,鈥� she said.

Tom Fraki / Echo Journal

Nolan鈥檚 granddaughter, Eleanor Heggerston, shared memories of her grandfather, the things they did around the lakes area and how he would touch the lives of people he met.

鈥淕randpa Nolan had a way of leaving a long-lasting impression on everyone he encountered through these lessons and many others. Rick Nolan lives on through me, Grandma Mary, his children, his family, his friends, his colleagues and every person he touched in his 80 years of life.

鈥淪o in the spirit of Rick Nolan, I would like to close with a limerick: There once was a man named Rick, whose foes would say was a prick. But those who knew him best would gladly attest he was kind and only sometimes a prick,鈥� she said.

Kaley Mauzy and Luke Gruenhagen, Nolan鈥檚 niece and nephew, spoke about their uncle and his encouragement, his advice and his love of nature.

Dr. Jim DeChaine, Jeff Anderson and John Fruth also shared personal and political stories about their time spent with Nolan and how he became a beloved personality, both in and out of politics.

The ceremony closed with an Irish blessing and the whole room taking part in singing 鈥淵ou Are My Sunshine.鈥�

In lieu of flowers, Nolan鈥檚 family asked to have memorial gifts sent to the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation. Cash or check memorials may be made payable to 鈥淏LACF鈥� with a note in the memo, 鈥淣olan Memorial Gift,鈥� and can be mailed to BLACF, 406 W. Washington St., Suite 5, PMB 184, Brainerd, MN, 56401.

Online gifts can be made at or plant a tree.