University of Minnesota math Prof. Donald Kahn, husband of longtime state Rep. Phyllis Kahn, died unexpectedly Friday night.
Obituary: Donald Kahn, U professor, husband of Rep. Phyllis Kahn
January 18, 2015 at 6:17AM
The couple had been married for 58 years. Donald Kahn, 79, had recently completed a book on photography, friends said.
Kahn met Phyllis when they were students at Cornell University, and he received a Ph.D in mathematics from Yale University in 1961.
He taught math at Columbia University before moving to Minneapolis to teach at the U.
He was a lifelong photographer, in addition to being a cellist and a supporter of the musicians during the Minnesota Orchestra lockout.
"He was a good political strategist — he always helped Phyllis on all of her campaigns," said attorney Brian Rice, a family friend who's worked on Phyllis Kahn's campaigns. "He was so supportive of everything she did."
Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, has served more than 40 years in the House and won re-election this fall.
Her territory, District 60B, is one of the most racially and economically diverse in Minnesota and includes the U, Cedar-Riverside, East River Road, Nicollet Island East and Seward neighborhoods.
The couple have two grown children. Private services are planned.
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