Community Corner

Inver Grove Heights Remembers Senator Jim Metzen

Metzen, 72, was known around the Capitol for his easy laugh and congenial attitude.

Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota – State Sen. Jim Metzen, a Democrat who represented Inver Grove Heights as well as his hometown of South St. Paul for four decades, died Monday night of lung cancer. He was 72.

The Pioneer Press reported that Metzen, who had been undergoing treatment for a recurrence of lung cancersince last year, was known around the Capitol for his easy laugh and congenial attitude.

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"No matter if you were a Democrat or Republican, I tried to form friendships and alliances with people," he said back in January when he announced he would not run for the Legislature.

The City of Inver Grove Heights released the following statement regarding his passing:

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"The City of Inver Grove Heights remembers Senator Jim Metzen as a friend and great public servant who tirelessly worked for Inver Grove Heights and the citizens of Minnesota. Because of his dedication to the citizens of Inver Grove Heights, the city was able to obtain funding for such important public projects like Swing Bridge Park, Heritage Village Park, Inver Hills Community College and Veterans Memorial Community Center. He was an accomplished legislator with 42 years of public service. It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be greatly missed."

Metzen is survived by his wife, Sandie, and sons Jeff and John.

Image: Minnesota State Legislature

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