Former Minn. House Speaker Irv Anderson dies

(AP) - Former Minnesota House Speaker Irv Anderson has died. He was 85.

Anderson led the state House from 1993 to 1997, part of a long legislative career that started in 1964.

The Democrat from International Falls retired after the 2006 session, having represented a northern Minnesota district for almost 25 years, first in the 1960s and starting again in the 1990s. He also served as majority leader.

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says in a prepared statement that Anderson was a forceful voice for his constituents.

Anderson fought in World War II as a Navy pilot and helped create the state's memorial to World War II veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and two children.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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