RIP Gary Grouwinkel (1936-2024)
Hall of Fame Football Coach Led Prospect to First Playoff Trip in 1977; Turned York Into Perennial Playoff and Conference Championship Contender in 80s and 90s
Just heard the sad news about the passing of Hall of Fame football coach Gary Grouwinkel on November 28 in Mesa, Arizona at 88, from longtime Daily Herald sportswriter and Iowa fan Larry Weindruch.
Grouwinkel’s decorated coaching career included leading Prospect to its first playoff appearance in 1977 and posting a 31-24 record from 1976-81. He then took over a York program that had won 14 games in 7 years before his arrival and had a 108-66 record with 11 playoff trips from 1982-99 before he retired.
The Burlington, Iowa native played on Iowa’s Rose Bowl champions in 1957 and 1959 and immediately became a successful high school coach in his home state that included a state championship at Ottumwa.
Grouwinkel also coached in college at North Dakota, Arizona, Iowa, Northwestern and Florida State. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2003.
Grouwinkel and his wife Diane were married 62 years before she passed away in 2021. He had three children - Kevin, Kirstin and Kari - and seven grandchildren.
His obituary said, “Gary was a connector of people. He used his kind, humble, and respectful way to engage people and bring out the best in them. He made friends everywhere he went and leaves us all better for knowing him. Gary loved his family! He supported them in every way possible and challenged them to be their best. Gary will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and friend.”
Visitation for Gary Grouwinkel will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, with a short memorial service immediately following.
I’ll have more on the passing of Gary Grouwinkel later this week.