Longtime Brainerd Mayor Dies

BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) — A funeral is scheduled for the longtime mayor of Brainerd.

Brenny Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services says James Wallin died Saturday morning at his home. He was 73.

Wallin had been mayor since 1998. He was first elected to Brainerd's City Council in 1977.

City Administrator Jim Thoreen tells Minnesota Public Radio News the council and residents of Brainerd "remain shocked and saddened by his passing."

The Star Tribune reports Wallin grew up in the lakes area of Nisswa, about 20 miles north of Brainerd. His longtime friend and fellow council member Chip Borkenhagen says Wallin was "truly one of the originals here."

Both U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar expressed condolences.

Wallin's funeral will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd.