Born in 1946 in Rugby and raised in Bisbee, ND. B.S. degree from University of North Dakota and J.D. from Syracuse University. Military duty with U. S. Army. In private practice in Rolla and served as Rolette County States Attorney 1984-86. Appointed Northeast Judicial District Judge in 1986 by Governor George A. Sinner. Elected in 1986, 1992, 1998 and 2004. Elected presiding judge in 1995. Married: wife, Sandi. Two children.