LINDSTROM — Voters in the eastern Minnesota town of Lindstrom have re-elected a city councilman who died before the election.

Longtime council member Joe Wishy died of cancer on Sept. 30. City officials say it was too late to remove his name from Tuesday’s ballot.

Six names were on the ballot. Voters were asked to choose two candidates, and Wishy received 558 votes — or 16 percent — to just edge out one of other candidates.

Wishy was a champion of local parks and small business. City leaders believe residents voted for Wishy to honor his 12 years on the council.

City Administrator John Olinger said Wishy called himself “the taxpayer’s best friend.”

A special election will be held to fill his vacant seat after January.