Former Mandan Representative Dies, Hoeven Issues Statement

Rae Ann Kelsch, former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 34, has died.

A CaringBridge site created for the former legislator says Kelsch was admitted to a New Orleans hospital on Sunday, where she was intubated.

The site says a bacteria of the species vibrio, was growing in cultures. The bacteria is likely from consumption of raw oysters.

As of Monday afternoon, Kelsch was reported by family as stable.

Then, on Tuesday morning, Kelsch’s daughter, Cassandra Weidman, posted on CaringBridge, “Mom is with her dad and brother now. Her heart gave out this morning.”

The report says Kelsch’s husband, Tom, and children were with her at the time of her death.

Kelsch was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, and served until 2012. She was currently the state director for the small-business lobbying organization, NFIB.

John Hoeven, former North Dakota Governor and current United States Senator for the state of North Dakota, issued a statement saying, “Mikey and I are truly saddened to hear of Rae Ann’s passing. She was not only a friend and colleague, but a true leader on education issues in the state of North Dakota. As governor, I worked with Rae Ann as she led education efforts in the North Dakota House of Representatives and served as a champion for North Dakota’s teachers, students and schools. She will be deeply missed. Mikey and I pray for Rae Ann and her family, and send our sincerest condolences to them.”

No immediate funeral arrangements were available Tuesday afternoon.