[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GERALD VANDEWALLE

 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, one of North Dakota's most 
distinguished citizens and respected jurists is retiring this week. 
Justice Gerald W. ``Jerry'' VandeWalle is leaving the North Dakota 
Supreme Court as the longest serving justice in the history of the 
court.
  A native of the small northwestern North Dakota community of Noonan, 
Justice VandeWalle earned his law degree from the University of North 
Dakota in 1958. He devoted more than 60 years of his legal career 
working for the citizens of our State. The first 20 years were as an 
assistant attorney general, prior to his appointment to the supreme 
court in 1978. In his nearly 45 years on the supreme court, he served 
27 of those as chief justice. At the time he relinquished his 
responsiblities as chief justice in 2020, he was the longest serving 
chief justice in the entire Nation.
  As impressive as these statistics are, the real legacy of Justice 
VandeWalle is not found in numbers. Instead, it is in the profound 
impact he made year after year, case after case, as he sought to uphold 
the law with impartiality in every judicial decision. His warmth and 
kindness, his engaging optimism, and his humble nature were his 
everyday demeanor. He was accessible to other state officials, a fierce 
advocate for the judicial branch before the State legislature, and a 
revered mentor to lawyers aross the State and country.
  In the 27 years between 1993 and 2020 when Justice VandeWalle was 
chief justice, North Dakota experienced notable changes in its 
population, demographics, economy, and culture. All the while, he kept 
a steady focus on how North Dakota courts could deliver access to 
justice for all. He was integral in unifying the court system, 
redefining state judicial districts and bringing more judges to 
accommodate each district's needs. He addressed emerging technology 
innovations in courtrooms and expanded court services for population 
groups like veterans, juveniles, and the elderly.
  The judicial impact of Justice Jerry VandeWalle will resonate across 
our State and Nation for decades to come. Visitors to our State capitol 
will read about his legendary career next to his portrait in the North 
Dakota Rough Rider Hall of Fame, the highest honor given to our 
citizens. Kris and I will miss seeing him at official events and will 
treasure even more the friendship we shared over the years. On behalf 
of all North Dakotans, I thank him for his exemplary service and 
congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I wish him many years 
of health and happiness in the future.

                          ____________________