Florian Chmielewski, a renowned polka musician and former Minnesota senator, died Tuesday at the age of 97. His death marks the end of an era, as he was an iconic figure in the polka world and a dedicated public servant.
Born in 1927 on his family’s farm in Sturgeon Lake, Chmielewski grew up surrounded by music. His grandfather, a fiddler from Poland, instilled in him a love for music that would shape his life. Chmielewski began playing accordion in his teens and formed a band with his brothers. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he brought his talents to the airwaves, performing on radio and television programs.
In 1955, Chmielewski launched his first television show, “The Polish TV Party,” on Duluth’s WDSM-TV. The show was a hit, and the Chmielewski family became national polka celebrities. Their success on television helped elevate Chmielewski’s political career, and he was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1971.
Chmielewski served in the Senate for 26 years, representing the districts encompassing Sturgeon Lake. He was known for his ability to build bridges across party lines and for using his accordion to defuse tense situations. In 1987, he served as president of the Senate during a special session.
Throughout his time in office, Chmielewski focused on bringing concrete results to his district, including state funding for roads, schools, and other projects. He was highly popular and considered unbeatable as an incumbent, but his legislative career ended in 1996 when he lost a primary challenge.
After leaving office, Chmielewski continued to entertain for the remaining three decades of his life. He was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame and the Pioneer Division of the International Polka Association Hall of Fame. His family band, the Chmielewski Funtime Band, continues on, now led by his daughter Patty.
Chmielewski was a beloved figure in Minnesota, known for his kind and gentle nature. His shows always stoked an atmosphere of togetherness, and he had a remarkable ability to make people happy with his music. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.
