OBITUARY – Dannie L. Drinkwine, 74, Minnesota youth leader, died Jan. 28
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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
02/02/2004
Dannie L. Drinkwine of Minneapolis, Minn., 74, a national leader and coach within USA Wrestling's youth programs, died on January 28 in Minnesota. Drinkwine was USA Wrestling's Kids Person of the Year in 1992. For many years, Drinkwine was a leader in youth wrestling in his state, region and on the national level. "Dan Drinkwine was one of the key figures in the development of USA Wrestling's Kids programs going back to its early years," said Mark Scott, USA Wrestling Director of State Services. His commitment to youth wrestling played a key role in the success of Minnesota USA Wrestling and the entire organization. He was a person that kids could relate to. He worked with so many age groups and was loved by athletes and their parents." Drinkwine founded the Minneapolis Amateur Wrestling Club 35 years ago, a club that provided wrestling opportunities for thousands of young athletes over the years. Among the athletes who wrestled for his club was Billy Pierce, a many-time USA Wrestling age-group national champion, NCAA All-American and top international Greco-Roman wrestler. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Drinkwine "thought the wrestling room was a great home for kids. It gave them a place, identity, discipline and sense of teamwork." "He was everybody's dad," said Larry Allen to the Star Tribune. Allen coached at Drinkwine's side for the past 17 years. "He never raised his voice. I never saw him angry," said Allen. Drinkwine was also involved in community sports programs for football players and softball players. He was recognized for his commitment to volunteer work in his community. He is survived by his devoted children, Darleen S. McPhersen, Carol J. Aguilar, Dannie L. Drinkwine Jr., Barbara M. Clifton, and Sandra (David) Blanchard; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Chelsea. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Jensen, Vicki (John) Little, Laura Lee (Larry) Carriere, Kathy (Richard) Provost; his brothers, David Haas and Denny Drinkwine; his step-mother, Teddy Drinkwine; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves to a legacy of thoughtfulness, integrity, discipline and self-responsibilty, and the duty to carry that legacy forward. Dan's family wishes to exend a special thank you to all of the staff at ANGMA Medicine Clinic and Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their thoughtful care. The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004 at Park Avenue Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. Visitation will be at 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 3640 23rd Ave. S., and 1/2 hour before the service at church. Interment is at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A feature story on Dannie Drinkwine was published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and can be viewed at: http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4347878.html