Memorial Service For Martin Olav Sabo Held In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Family, political leaders and members of the community gathered to honor the life of a longtime U.S. Congressman from Minneapolis on Saturday.

The memorial service for Martin Olav Sabo was held at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The DFL Congressman served 14 terms in United States Congress before retiring in 2006.

He died last week after years of breathing problems.

Sabo had the second-longest tenure in either house of Congress in the state's history. It was his commitment to the people he served that brought his daughter, who spoke at the service, to tears.

"I know that if you could have been at his bedside, he would have told you too that he loved you," Julie Sabo said.

Related: Political Leaders React To Martin Sabo's Death

While there were moments of sadness, the overall tone of the service was mostly upbeat, including the hymn "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee."

Mike Erlandson, a friend and aide to Sabo, joked with the congregation about a time limit on the service.

"He made it very clear to us that our comments should be short and the service should take no more than one hour," Erlandson said.

Related: Looking Back At Martin Sabo's Impact

There was even a nod to Sabo's love for the game of baseball. The bells rang out "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" as the family closed the service, before a reception to share in the memories of a husband, father, grandfather and public servant.

"Today really was a celebration of his life," Erlandson said. "Without a doubt I think Martin was smiling down from wherever he was watching."

Gov. Mark Dayton, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Keith Ellison were all in attendance to show their respects.