Don Fraser, who served as Minneapolis mayor longer than anyone else in the city's history, died Sunday at his home at the age of 95.
Fraser, who attended the University of Minnesota and fought in the Pacific during World War II, was first elected Minneapolis mayor in 1980 and stepped down in 1993.
He began his 40-year political career in 1954 when he was elected to the Minnesota state senate.
He was also represented Minnesota's fifth congressinal district before returning from Washington to lead his hometown.
"We were close friends," said US Senator and presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar, who called Fraser her political mentor.
Fraser was on stage with Klobuchar when she first announced plans to run for Hennepin County attorney.
"He's someone that saw his public service didn't end with him, he really wanted to pass it on to the next generation," said Klobuchar, who last talked with Fraser not long after she announced her presidential campaign.
Fraser was state senator for seven years and a member of US House of Representative from 1963 to 1979.
He lost in the 1978 primary election for the seat held by Sen. Hubert Humphrey.
Fraser's wife Arvonne died last August at the age of 92.
Information on funeral services for Don Fraser are not yet public.
