Daniel James Drinkwine

Daniel James Drinkwine, 71, passed away on June 7, 2025 at St Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. He was surrounded by family and friends, following a recent cancer diagnosis and complications from pneumonia. He was born the son of Doris (Dodd) and Walter Drinkwine on December 8, 1953 in Superior, WI.

Dan graduated from Drummond High School and had additional education at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. He served his country honorably in the US Army. Many may remember him as owner/operator of Danny’s Laker Lounge, a well-known supper club in its day in Barnes, WI. He was head cook with the Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet until his retirement after 20 years of service.

Dan served as President of the Eau Claire Lakes Business Association, belonged to the Barnes Lions Club, and was on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Vacationland Chapter.

He loved to cook and entertain, providing delicious meals for family and friends. He took great pride in his home and enjoyed creating and maintaining flower gardens to delight the eye. He researched his French-Canadian Drinkwine genealogy to the point he published a book full of family history, including pictures, birth and death certificates and other bits of history that he discovered. He also had a passion for travel including trips to Puerto Vallarta, Hawaii, Chichen Itza and Germany. Above all, Dan was a family man. He loved being a grandpa and worked at spoiling his grandkids. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends.

Dan is survived by his husband, Thomas Burd; daughter, Angela (John) Drinkwine; grandchildren: Isaac, Adam, Wyatt, and Cecelia; brother, Jack (Sue) Drinkwine; niece, Kate; nephew, Adam and numerous cousins and friends.

Visitation begins 3:00 PM Sunday June 22, 2025 at Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue in Superior, and continues until the 4:00 PM Memorial Service with Pastor Victor St. George officiating. Please wear bright colors, Hawaiian or floral prints if able. A Reception will be held at 6:00 PM at Aces on 29th, 2827 Oaks Ave in Superior.

Burial will be on Tuesday, June 24th at 11 AM at Barnes Memorial Cemetery.

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.