'We should all strive to be like him': Colleagues remember Wayne Stenehjem

BISMARCK — Many would agree with Grand Forks Police Chief Mark Nelson how Wayne Stenehjem will be remembered.

"(Stenehjem) Leaves a legacy that has affected an immeasurable amount of lives," Nelson said.

Retired District Court Judge Joel Medd said he credits that to Wayne Stenehjem's hometown roots in Mohall, North Dakota.

"(Stenehjem was) a real advocate and a great speaker," Medd said. "He could get up and talk and present his points exceptionally well. That was his point, he was a great presenter, (and a) great listener."

Stenehjem's rise in North Dakota started 46 years ago as a lawmaker from Grand Forks.

"He was such a great legislator from District 42, in Grand Forks," Medd said. "There were times when nobody ran against him because he was that good."

Stenehjem had a strong voice for all, but there was a passion that was louder.

"The care that he had for — as mentioned in the eulogies — the downtrodden, the people that seem to be down and out in society, whether that be the domestic violence victim, the addict, he always was their champion for wanting to make sure justice was served."

He is a man that will be remembered for always getting the job done.

"Wayne was the epitome of civility." People would argue with him, he'd go out afterwards and be friends," Medd explained.

Nancy Yon remembers starting her career as a prosecutor in Grand Forks and squaring off against Stenehjem in the courtroom when he was still in private practice.

"I just thought, 'That's the kind of attorney I want to be,'" she remembered.

For the past three years, Wayne Stenehjem has been her boss. Yon is an assistant attorney general for North Dakota.

"(Stenehjem was) kind to everyone, a friend to everyone regardless of your political side, and just somebody that I think that we should all strive more to be like."

As the state's top law enforcement officer, Nelson said he knew Stenehjem always had his department's back, and he was always a phone call a way.

"(I)f they had concerns, (then) Wayne would address them. And you never felt it was from a political stance, you always felt that when he said he'd do something, Wayne did it," said Nelson.

Wayne Stenehjem will be remembered as a true leader who was genuine, respectful, and kind. He was a man who would fight for anyone, including the little guy.

"He really was a leader for the people, and wanted to help people, and was in public service for the right reason," said Yon.