John Anton Blatnik

Democrat Representative of Minnesota's 8th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

August 17, 1911 (80 years old)

Birthday

December 17, 1991

Death

Born to Slovene immigrant parents and worked as a chemistry teacher before entering politics.
Served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1940 to 1944.
Volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, serving with the Office of Strategic Services in Yugoslavia.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946, serving Minnesota’s 8th District until 1974.
Introduced and supported legislation for Leif Erikson Day to become a nationwide observance.
Voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Was an early supporter of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and played a significant role in the development of the Clean Water Act.
Served as chairman of the Public Works Committee, later known as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, during his last two terms.
Endorsed his administrative assistant, Jim Oberstar, as his successor, who won the election easily.
Married twice and had three children.
Died in Maryland and was honored posthumously by having a bridge named after him, the John A. Blatnik Bridge, which connects Wisconsin and Minnesota.