Hundreds Bid Melissa, Mark Hortman Farewell at Funeral
Hundreds of people said their final goodbyes to Melissa and Mark Hortman on Saturday.
The couple, from Brooklyn Park, was honored in a funeral mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis.
The pair were shot in their Brooklyn Park home in what police say was a politically-motivated attack.
Gov. Tim Walz, a longtime colleague and friend of Melissa’s, spoke at the private service.
He said the Hortmans leave behind a legacy of purpose, empathy and humility.
“Her mission was to get as much good done for as many people as possible,” Walz said. “It was the Golden Rule, instilled to her by her father. And a passion to serve she learned from her mother. Mark’s focus was people, too. And it’s no surprise—Melissa and Mark met mentoring a student in Washington, D.C.”
Dignitaries from across the country attended the service, including former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris sat front row at the Hortmans’ service. (Courtesy DPS YouTube)
Close friends and family attended as well, including family friend Robin Ann Williams.
She recounted adventures in babysitting the Hortmans’ kids, and memories with Melissa and Mark. Midway through her speech, Williams addressed the kids.
“Sophie and Collin, I know you’ve heard it countless times since June 14. But your parents adored you and were proud of you. You’ve always carried yourselves well,” Williams said. “Your dignity and grace over the last two weeks has been tremendous. The apples did not fall far from the trees.”
Mark and Melissa lay in state at the Capitol in St. Paul last Friday.
More than 7,500 people paid their respects, according to the Minnesota DPS.
The full funeral service can be viewed on the DPS’ YouTube page.
Hoffmans Issue Statement
Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot in their Champlin home the same night the Hortmans were killed, issued a statement calling the funeral “heartbreakingly beautiful.”
“We are devastated by the loss of Melissa, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. Their tragic passing has left a profound sadness for all who knew them and whose lives they touched,” they wrote in the statement. “Our hearts are with the Hortman family in this time of immense grief.”
The family says its working to recover from the physical and emotional trauma they’ve experienced.
Their full statement is below.
We are devastated by the loss of Melissa, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. Their tragic passing has left a profound sadness for all who knew them and whose lives they touched. We all watched the service; it was heartbreakingly beautiful. Our hearts are with the Hortman family in this time of immense grief.
All three of us were lined up at gunpoint. We’re continuing to recover from physical injuries and emotional trauma from this senseless act of violence. All of us are now in stable condition but face a long road ahead. Hope’s bruises from the attack continue to heal. We’re so grateful she happened to be at our house that night. There’s no doubt her call to 911 saved the lives of others.
We’re thankful for the care we’ve received and for the support that has surrounded us in the aftermath. We know justice will be served for both of our families as the legal process gets underway. Right now, our focus is on healing and honoring the lives that were taken. To all of you who went to the State Capitol to pay your respects to Melissa, Mark and Gilbert, we want you to know we were there with you in spirit.
-John, Yvette and Hope
Kevin Miller contributed to this story.
