John Dingell remembered as political giant who never forgot his roots

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Tributes aren't just happening inside of Tuesday's funeral for the late congressman John Dingell. His town of Dearborn is taking note of the sad day.  

Whether at Miller's in downtown Dearborn or a pizza place as Detroit as the Dingell name at Buddy's-a moment to reflect ends with a full menu of emotions.  Including joy.  

"It's always a sad day, but it's a joyous day to celebrate the life of somebody who was well respected. And the turn out shows that," said longtime Dearborn resident John Kaminski.

Across town in Southfield, our own weather authority Rich Luterman reflects.

"He had no qualms giving me a few jabs about the weather. He was a Michigan guy and so he would tease me about the heat, the humidity in the summertime. He would tease me about the winter he weather, the snow the ice the sleet. He was quick with the jab but what a smart, decent man. I always cherished those times with him," he said.

After close to a dozen times the two shared a microphone as two veterans, Luterman cherished those talks.  

"Just real, true history when I was with Congressman Dingell. I always cherished having those lunches are those events with him because he was history," Rich said.

History that's being celebrated just down the road from where his life was being celebrated. He had a career in politics that spanned five decades and generations, and had a reach beyond political boundaries.  

"We were so involved with the labor movement; you know? My parents and my family work early labor organizers as my wife's was. That struck a chord," said Jay Valle.

John Dingell leaves behind hope that more can carry the torch of diplomacy and compromise. On an icy, grey day, where it's hard to get around, the world remembers a man who made it seem easy even on the toughest political terrain. 

"He knew how to be a human being and he didn't put that role down just because he was in politics. And that was just so special and we need so much more of that now," said Estelle Feger.