Schobinger, 54, died Aug. 13 in Tennessee. He represented the 3rd District in the North Dakota Senate from 1994 to 2006 and the 40th District from 2016 to 2024. In January, he announced he would not seek re-election in November.

The Minot congressman announced a year ago that he would continue to fulfill his legislative duties despite undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. He was treated at the Mayo Clinic and in Tennessee, where a specialist was available and where he owned a home.

Governor Doug Burgum released a statement on Schobinger’s death on Thursday.

“Representative Schobinger served the citizens of North Dakota and the Minot region for two decades with dedication, passion for public service and a level-headed approach that earned him the respect of his colleagues in the legislature,” said Burgum. “His support and commitment to flood control in Minot, funding for Hub City, higher education, tax relief, corrections and rehabilitation – including a new facility for women – and other initiatives will benefit the people of North Dakota for years to come. Kathryn and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fellow legislators.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better running mate and mentor,” said Rep. Matt Ruby, R-Minot, who represents the 40th District. “Randy was a great legislator and an even better friend. He was a steward of taxpayer dollars and his budgets reflected that. Losing him is a huge blow to the state. My prayers are with his family.”

“Randy Schobinger was a person with strong character and a reliable friend,” said Sen. Karen Krebsbach, R-Minot, also representing the 40th District. “I met Randy when he first announced in 1995 that he wanted to run for the state legislature. I quickly realized how strong that desire was. He took campaigning very seriously. In fact, he stood at the door asking for a gentleman’s vote, and when he didn’t get an answer fast enough, Randy asked, ‘What can I do to get your vote?’ The man said, ‘Well, you can mow my lawn.’ Randy quickly left, went home and got his lawn mower.

“Randy was an energetic, sincere and imaginative person. I will miss my friend very much,” added Krebsbach.

Rep. Jon Nelson (R-Rugby) called Schobinger a valuable member of the House Appropriations Committee. The two lawmakers were both members of the committee, and Schobinger was a member of the human resources division of the committee that Nelson chaired.

“I gave him the corrections budget, and he did an excellent job putting that budget together and getting it passed. It included the new women’s prison in Mandan.” said Nelson. “It was not without controversy, but Randy did an excellent job of researching all aspects of the budget and the construction project and ultimately prevailed.”

Schobinger showed passion when he was interested in a cause and pushed a project forward at full speed, Nelson said.

“He was a very strong advocate for health care in the Minot region,” he said. “Behavioral health was another area he was very passionate about.”

Nelson also said he valued Schobinger’s institutional knowledge gained during his years as a legislator, as well as his experience in the private sector, particularly in the insurance industry. Schobinger’s insurance bills have always been consumer-focused, he said.

“He has served the voters in his district and throughout the state very well,” said Nelson.

Schobinger’s family plans to hold a celebration of his life at a later date.