Clarence Norman Brunsdale

Clarence Norman Brunsdale
United States Senator from North Dakota
In office November 19, 1959 – August 7, 1960
Appointed by	John E. Davis
Preceded by	William Langer
Succeeded by	Quentin N. Burdick
24th Governor of North Dakota
In office January 3, 1951 – January 9, 1957
Lieutenant	Ray Schnell Clarence P. Dahl
Preceded by	Fred G. Aandahl
Succeeded by	John E. Davis
Member of the North Dakota Senate
In office 1927-1935 1940-1951
Personal details
Born	July 9, 1891 Steele County, North Dakota
Died	January 27, 1978 (aged 86) Mayville, North Dakota
Political party	Republican
Religion	Lutheran

Clarence Norman Brunsdale (July 9, 1891 – January 27, 1978) was the 24th Governor of North Dakota and a United States Senator from the state of North Dakota.

Biography

Clarence Norman Brunsdale was born in Sherbrooke, Steele County, North Dakota. He was educated in public schools and the Bruflat Academy at Portland, North Dakota. In 1913, he graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He returned to Portland, teaching at Bruflat Academy and worked the family farm operations in Traill and Steele counties. He was married to Carrie Lajord on August 30, 1925, and they had two daughters, Margaret Marie and Helen Lucille.

Career

Brunsdale served in the North Dakota State Senate, as Governor of North Dakota from 1951 to 1957 and as U.S. Senator from November 19, 1959 to August 7, 1960. As governor, Brunsdale was an avid supporter of water development projects. During his administration Garrison Dam was completed and the Legislature established the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. The early 1950s also saw the establishment of the Highway Department and the passage of major highway legislation. Education, agriculture, and mental health issues were also important to Governor Brunsdale.

In 1959, Brunsdale was appointed to the United States Senate upon the death of Senator William Langer.^[1] Brunsdale was not a candidate for election to the vacancy and Quentin N. Burdick was narrowly elected to the seat in a 1960 special election.

Death

Brunsdale died at Mayville, North Dakota in 1978.^[2] He was buried in Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, Traill County, North Dakota.^[3]

References

1. C. Norman Brunsdale (North Dakota Governors)
2. ND Dept of Health: Birth and Death Certificates
3. Clarence Norman Brunsdale at Find a Grave

External links

• United States Congress. "Clarence Norman Brunsdale (id: B000982)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.