Soup Winblad was longtime teacher, coach

The Rosemount resident was a star athlete in high school and college.

By LAURIE BLAKE, Star Tribune

Last update: October 21, 2009 - 9:07 PM

Standout athlete, teacher and longtime coach Wilbur Wayne (Soup) Winblad of Rosemount died Oct. 18 at the age of 86.

Known as Soup because of a bowl haircut he wore as a child, Winblad is remembered as an outgoing soul whom everybody knew.

"Because of his personality, I swear he knew everybody in Dakota County,'' said Paul Grogan, who worked with Winblad.

Born Sept. 9, 1923, in Red Wing to Swedish immigrant parents, Winblad grew up in a family of six children. He was a devout Lutheran. He and his wife, Patty, who survives him, had six children.

Winblad played basketball, baseball and football for Red Wing High School, lettering in all. In 1941 he was named All-State while playing guard for the Red Wing basketball team that was runner-up in the state tournament. He also was recognized as All-Southern Minnesota halfback.

Winblad studied at Bemidji State College before joining the Marines to fight in World War II in the South Pacific. Winblad resumed his education at Winona State Teacher's College where he was captain of the basketball team and quarterback on the football team. In 1946 he was recognized as Winona's Most Valuable Football Player. In 1987 Winona State University inducted him into the college's athletic Hall of Fame.

Gov. Orville Freeman recognized Winblad as a Minnesota Sports Champ in 1958.

After college he taught and coached basketball at Rushford High School until 1954. He went on to Farmington High School, where he worked 18 years teaching history, serving as a guidance counselor, coaching basketball and directing the athletic department. In 1970 Winblad was named Farmington High School Teacher of the Year.

Gale Sprute of Farmington played basketball for Winblad at Farmington High. "He took you under his wing and never let go.''

Winblad moved to Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount. He was honored in 1980 as a Teacher of Excellence and in 2008 for exceptional service to the college.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Susan Shields, Ann Winblad, Mary Regenscheid, Patty Jorgenson and Kathy Winblad-Polk; son Dave; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Easter Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fort Snelling cemetery.

Laurie Blake • 612-673-1711

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