Services have been scheduled for former South Dakota Sen. George McGovern, the Democratic Party's one-time liberal standard-bearer.

McGovern passed away on Sunday morning. He was 90 years old.

"We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace. He continued giving speeches, writing and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer," McGovern's family said in the statement.

The Global Lane: A Tribute to George McGovern

McGovern is best known for his disastrous presidential run against Richard Nixon in 1972.

He made ending the Vietnam War his central campaign theme, promising to stop the bombing on his first day in office. But McGovern lost in one of the worst election defeats in U.S. history.

Some Democrats blamed him for taking the party in the wrong direction, while Republicans to this day point to him as proof of the failure of liberal politics. McGovern never apologized for his stand, though.

The son of a Methodist minister served three terms in the Senate. He also served in World War II, flying dozens of bombing missions over Austria, Germany, and Italy.

A public viewing is set to be held Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Friday at Mary Sommervold Hall at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.