Florian Chmielewski, Minnesota icon of polka, politics, dies at 97 [Video]

Florian Chmielewski’s polka music has had Minnesotans dancing for decades.

The 97-year-old musician and former Minnesota State Senator died earlier this week, according to his family.

“I thought Florian was going to live forever. He was an infectious person. His smile, his accordion and love he gave people was incredible,” said Patty Chmielewski, his daughter.

Starting in the 1970s, the Chmielewski Funtime television show brought polka into homes across the U.S. and Canada. The syndicated show aired for 35 years.

“We were drawing more people than NFL football,” Chmielewski said during a 2015 interview. “All the work we’ve done … putting together shows that have lasted for 70 years for us, it’s been a hilarious and wonder event.”

The family band went on to produce 40 albums.

“The world is mourning my dad. He was known all over the world,” Patty Chmielewski said. “I’m getting condolence from everywhere. It’s …