Flags in Minnesota will be at half-staff on Tuesday to honor former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Esther Tomljanovich, who died last month.

Justice Esther Tomljanovich served on the Minnesota Supreme Court from 1990 to 1998. (Courtesy of Minnesota Judicial Branch)

Tomljanovich, who served on the Minnesota Supreme Court from 1990 to 1998, was “more than just a talented jurist,” Gov. Tim Walz said Monday in announcing the order. “She was a trailblazer for women, lawyers and students throughout her life. She led with kindness, warmth and generosity, serving the state and Minnesota Supreme Court with pride.”

Tomljanovich had a long career in public service, including her work as the state’s Assistant Revisor of Statutes and Revisor of Statutes. She was appointed a judge in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District in 1977 and served eight years as associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

After she retired, she “continued to be an advocate and leader, creating the Minnesota Women Lawyers group, serving on the Committee on the Status of Women, helping advance equal pay for equal work and making women a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act,” according to Walz.

Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Tomljanovich’s legacy.

Tomljanovich died July 26 at her house in Lake Elmo of complications related to heart failure. She was 94.