MN Judge Dies Suddenly While Vacationing In Florida

ST. PAUL, MN — Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski died March 6 while on vacation in Florida, the Minnesota Judicial Branch announced Tuesday. The cause of death is not yet known.

Tarnowski, 63, was appointed to Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2007. She served as the chief judge in that district from 2016 to 2020.

Tarnowski was still working as a St. Louis County judge in Duluth at the time of her death.

"All of us within the Minnesota courts community are devastated by the loss of Judge Tarnowski," said Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea in a statement.

"Beyond her exemplary service to Minnesota, Judge Tarnowski was a vibrant person whose commitment to justice shined through in everything she did."

Tarnowski was passionate about mental health treatment court and was a strong supporter of early neutral evaluation in family court.

"Judge Tarnowski approached her work with tenacity and dedication," said Sixth District Chief Judge Leslie Beiers.

"Her loss will be deeply felt by all of us in the Sixth District, and by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her."

Funeral services have not yet been set.