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

The Minot legislator made public a year ago that he would keep up with his legislative duties despite starting treatment for esophageal cancer. He was receiving care at Mayo Clinic and in Tennessee, where a specialist was available and where he owned a house.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement Thursday regarding Schobinger’s passing.

“Rep. Schobinger served the citizens of North Dakota and the Minot area for two decades with dedication, a passion for public service and a measured approach that earned him the respect of his legislative colleagues,” Burgum said. “His support and advocacy for Minot flood control, hub city funding, higher education, tax relief, corrections and rehabilitation – including a new women’s facility – and other initiatives will continue to benefit North Dakotans for many 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 District 40. “Randy was a great legislator and even better friend. He was a steward of taxpayer dollars and his budgets were reflective of that. Losing him is a big hit to the state. My prayers are with his family.”

“Randy Schobinger was a person of strong character and a reliable friend,” said Sen. Karen Krebsbach, R-Minot, also with District 40. “I met Randy when he first announced in 1995 that he was interested in running for the state Legislature. I quickly realized how strong that desire was. He took campaigning very seriously. In fact, he was at the door asking for a gentleman’s vote and when he wasn’t getting the answer quick enough, Randy asked, ‘What can I do to get your vote?’ The man said, ‘Well, you can cut my grass.’ Randy quickly left, went home and got his lawnmower.

“Randy was an energetic, sincere and full-of-ideas kind of person. I’m going to miss my friend dearly,” Krebsbach added.

Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, called Schobinger a valuable member of the House Appropriations Committee. The two legislators both served on the committee and Schobinger served on the Human Resources Section of the committee, chaired by Nelson.

“I gave him the corrections budget to carry, and he did just an outstanding job of putting that budget together and carrying that on the floor. It included the new women’s prison in Mandan,” Nelson said. “There was some controversy with that, and Randy did just an excellent job in researching all the aspects of the budget and that building project and carried the day, ultimately, on the floor.”

Schobinger was passionate when he took a keen interest in an issue and went full speed ahead to push a project forward, Nelson said.

“He was a very strong supporter of healthcare in the Minot region,” he said. “Behavioral health was another area where he had a lot of passion.”

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

“He served the constituents in his district very well, as well as around the entire state,” Nelson said.

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