Remembering Lakevile's 'Mr. Eddie'

A happy and familiar face on Lakeville streets has passed away.

Eddie Wallin, also known as Mr. Eddie, or ‘The Can Man’ was a welcome every day sight for many Lakeville residents as he traveled through town on his bicycle in search of aluminum cans. Wallin has been a staple at favorite locations such as the ball fields and V.F.W. for years.

Wallin was 54 and passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 15.

“He spent most of his time down at the ball fields,” said Stephanie Olson who remembers talking with Wallin since she was a child when her parents would bring her to their softball games. “He was always upbeat, always calling you a goofball. He knew sports like nobody’s business. He was a lot smarter than he let on.”

Concern began to arise last week when Wallin was absent from the V.F.W. for their weekly ‘Bargo’ game nights. Wallin was a regular player at the establishment and his absence was immediately recognized.

“He was always smiling, a good guy,” said Bob Ditell, the club manager for the Lakeville V.F.W. “He’d come around and always joked with people. It’s sad. As soon as we didn’t see him come in we wondered what had happened.”

Olson, too, was saddened to hear of Wallin’s passing. She has considered organizing a community can collection drive in conjunction with many of the Lakeville businesses that Wallin used to grace with his smile and happy demeanor as he collected his cans. Possible proceeds, she said, could be used to create a memorial marker at the ball fields or donated to charity in Wallin’s name.

Services were held Thursday, March 22 at in Lakeville. Residents can call the Lakeville V.F.W at 952-469-5717 for more information.

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