Featured photo: Congressman Dan Kildee and Former U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee
Former U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee passed away peacefully on the morning of October 13. Kildee represented Flint and the surrounding areas for over 35 years from 1977 until 2013. Before that, he served as both a state senator and representative. He was an advocate for the rights of working people and the importance of education. He exemplified the fighting spirit of his Flint community. His nephew Dan Kildee succeeded him in Congress. Local officials across Genesee County are thankful for the work that former Congressman Dale Kildee did throughout his life. He was 92.
“Dale was as good a person as he was an effective elected official,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley(D-Flint).
“His leadership will be missed, but all of those he encouraged to get involved in politics will continue to do the important work which he dedicated his life to,” Neeley added.
“Dale Kildee was a true public servant who genuinely cared about his constituents,” said State Rep.John Cherry (D-Flint).
“His legacy can be seen in the lives of all the people he helped, whether through his work in Washington or when walking the neighborhoods of the communities he represented,” Cherry added. “I will always remember the values he espoused whenever I saw him speak: a fundamental respect for human dignity. I will miss Dale and I hope we will continue his legacy.”
“I have worked in politics for decades and there have been few people more talented than Dale Kildee,” state Rep. Tim Sneller (D-Burton).
“I am beyond thankful for the contributions he made to Genesee County and the mentorship he provided to so many who wanted to make a difference,” Sneller added. “His family should take pride in the fact that he made a difference in the lives of others every single day.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the passing of Kildee.
“Congressman Dale Kildee was a tireless public servant and proud Michigander. He served his community in the state legislature for over a decade and in the U.S. House of Representatives for 35 years, where he advocated fiercely for the automotive industry and workers, led successful efforts to reform education, and expanded access to financial aid for college. Dale started the Native American Caucus in Congress and admirably represented Mid-Michigan during his time in office, uplifting local families, communities, and small businesses. He served students in the classroom, his community in the state capitol, and constituents in DC—where he rarely missed a vote in 35 years. A lifelong Michigander, his passion for working people was clear in the work he did every day. He made our state and country a better place. My thoughts are with his family, including his nephew, Congressman Dan Kildee who succeeded his uncle in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dale, we miss you.”
Congressman Dan Kildee also made the following statement on Facebook.
The Kildee family is deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Dale.
First and foremost, Dale was family. Born into a large Catholic family that cherished our Irish heritage, Dale was an incredible uncle and role model. Later, as I followed in his footsteps into a life of public service, Dale became a political mentor to me.
Education was Dale’s passion. Dale started his career as a teacher at Flint Central High School, where he met a fellow teacher and the love of his life, Gayle. Even after he left his job as an educator for a career in public service in 1964, he would continue teaching. First as a State Representative, then a State Senator and then U.S. Representative, Dale was always passionate about improving the lives of others through education, learning and mentorship.
Having served in Congress for 36 years and being elected 18 times, Dale was one of the longest serving Members of Congress in our country’s history. His passion for teaching led him to serve on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, where he rose through the ranks to become a senior member of the committee serving as the top Democrat on many subcommittees. Dale was viewed as a champion for Native American people throughout the country. He was a founding member of the Native American Caucus and always helped educate others on the important obligations between the federal government and Tribal Nations.
Dale will be remembered for many accomplishments in Congress, but especially his work to support early childhood education through Head Start, reform the No Child Left Behind initiative and promote child and senior nutrition programs. Dale fought fervently for programs to address hunger in our country, establishing the first of its kind summer nutrition program in churches so kids wouldn’t go hungry.
Dale was always proud that he was from Flint, the birthplace of the modern labor movement. Throughout his work, Dale was kind, humble and dedicated to his constituents. Dale never forgot who he worked for or the constituents who sent him to Congress. And Dale always brought civility and kindness to the political debate, something that we all could learn from today.
I have lost a wonderful member of my family, and the people of Michigan lost an incredible public servant. We mourn his loss while recognizing the great contributions that he made to Flint, the state of Michigan and our country. Please keep Dale’s loving wife, Gayle, their three beautiful children, Paul, Laura, and David, and grandchildren in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
