More than 1,000 people gathered Saturday morning at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman. The couple was tragically shot and killed in mid-June, in what authorities have called a politically motivated attack. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also seriously injured the same night.
The ceremony, held as a traditional Catholic Mass, included heartfelt eulogies from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and family friend Robin Ann Williams. Reverend Dan Griffith led the service with a moving homily, highlighting the couple’s values and legacy.
Remembering Public Servants and Kind Friends
Governor Walz praised Melissa as “the most consequential Speaker” in Minnesota’s history. He said he had signed many of her bills into law and believed her work helped improve the lives of millions of Minnesotans. He noted her efforts led to more kids in pre-K, cleaner energy, better schools, and stronger infrastructure.
Beyond her political achievements, Walz shared personal memories of the couple. Mark was passionate about pool and sourdough bread, while Melissa loved gardening and spending time in the kitchen. The governor described their home as filled with laughter, food, and warmth. Walz reminded everyone that politics is about people, and Melissa and Mark lived that truth—focusing on kindness, fairness, and public service.
He encouraged people to carry on their legacy not because of how they died, but because of how they lived: with joy, respect, empathy, and purpose.
A Friendship Remembered
Robin Ann Williams, a close friend of the Hortmans, shared fond memories of the couple’s deep friendship and strong bond. She described how she and Melissa used to campaign together, knocking on doors and having respectful conversations—even with people who disagreed with them.
Robin recalled dinners, birthdays, poker nights, and lazy evenings with the Hortmans, noting how easy and comfortable their friendship was. She described the beige-themed kitchen Melissa was so proud of, despite her efforts to convince her to choose a different color. Mark, amused by the debate, happily supported Melissa’s final decision.
She also remembered their final dinner together on June 6, a week before their passing. Despite a chilly evening and phone calls from the governor’s office, they enjoyed food, laughs, and one dessert with four spoons—an image that captured their warmth and closeness.
Robin closed her tribute with a quote from Kahlil Gibran, acknowledging the pain of loss while holding onto the promise of joy returning in time.
A Community of Service
Reverend Dan Griffith spoke about the couple’s dedication to service and community. He said their lives were filled with purpose, and they led with compassion. They met while mentoring a student—something he called a sign of God’s providence.
He noted that Minnesota has been a place of tragedy in recent years, from the killing of George Floyd to this act of political violence. However, he urged people to look at the Hortmans’ lives as an example of how love, community, and service can guide healing.
Mark and Melissa built strong relationships with their neighbors, friends, and family. They held monthly card games, gourmet dinners, and made time for everyone. Even their dog Gilbert became part of their story, returning to their home after an attempt to train him as a service dog failed—possibly on purpose.
Reverend Griffith ended by highlighting their strong family values, joyful spirits, and commitment to making the world a better place.
Melissa and Mark Hortman’s legacy lives on in the many lives they touched. Their funeral was not only a moment of deep sorrow but also a powerful reminder of what love, service, and community truly mean.
