CRYSTAL FALLS, MI -- Dan Benishek, a three-term Republican congressman and doctor from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has died, his family announced Saturday.
He was 69.
Benishek, also known as “Dr. Dan,” served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2016. He died on the evening of Oct. 15, according to a statement from his family.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of a loyal friend, a loving husband, a dedicated grandfather and a tireless advocate for Northern Michigan,” reads a statement from Benishek’s family. “As a doctor and surgeon, Dan saved countless lives in our community. His work in Congress made a difference for veterans across the country and protected Michigan’s natural wonders for years to come. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a strong leader, a caring healer and an unwavering patriot.”
Benishek was born in Iron River in 1952. Until turning 18, he worked at his family’s business, the Iron River Hotel. He attended the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine before practicing as a general surgeon in the U.P., his family said.
In 2010, Benishek won the Republican primary for Michigan’s 1st Congressional District by a 15-vote margin. As a congressman, Benishek served on the agriculture, natural resources and veterans’ affairs committees.
See also: Dale Kildee, who represented Flint area in Congress for 36 years, dies at 92
Candice Miller, a former congresswoman from Macomb County who served with Benishek, referred to him as a “great Yooper Patriot” in a statement following his death.
“It was a privilege to serve with Dan, who was always happiest when he was in his beloved Upper Peninsula,” Miller said.
Luke Londo, a Hazel Park City Council member, remembers Benishek, his mentor, as a “remarkable human being.”
“(Benishek) gave me my start. My entire trajectory - from politics to PR - comes directly from the chance he gave me,” Londo wrote in a Twitter thread Saturday. “We all know politics is awful. But he made it less so. He is the most genuine man I’ve ever met, one who built consensus over a beer and not in a backroom.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, remembers Benishek as a “cheerful advocate” who fought for his values with passion.
“Dan was a man who cared about his community, state and country,” Huizenga wrote in a tweet. “I am proud to call him a friend and he will be deeply missed.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also issued a statement honoring Benishek.
“Today, Yoopers and Michiganders lost a fighter,” she said. “Congressman Benishek represented the spirit of ‘Sisu’ during his time in office. In Congress, he championed our men and women in uniform, advocated fiercely for veterans, and worked to protect Sleeping Bear Dunes. As a physician and an elected official, Dan put people first. My thoughts are with his wife, children, and grandchildren.”
Benishek is survived by his wife, Judy, five children and five grandchildren.
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