Le Center, Minnesota Native and Former Cleveland High School Football Coach Dave Krenik, 73, Dies After Courageous Battle With Cancer

In lieu of flowers, Krenik’s family requests donations be made to Le Sueur County Relay For Life and Winona State Warrior Football.

September 1, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 1, 2026

Dave Krenik, a Le Center native and former Cleveland Clipper football coach, passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 73, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

According to reports, Dave Krenik was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2017 and bravely fought the cancer for eight years before his recent demise.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer, Dave Krenik didn’t miss a chance to showcase his love and passion for football and attended Cleveland football games even during his last years.

Dave began his football journey at a very young age and continued to pursue his passion for sports, serving as a football coach and touching the lives of thousands of athletes.

Furthermore, Krenik was the head football coach at Cleveland High School (CHS) from 1982 to 2011, 29 making a history as the longest tenured coach at Cleveland.

During his tenure, Dave Krenik led the Clippers to the state tournament in 2007 and won several honorable titles.

In addition to serving as a head football coach, Krenik also served as a health and PE teacher at Cleveland Public Schools until his retirement.

Current Cleveland head coach Erik Hermanson, who assisted Dave Krenik for 17 years, recalled Dave’s memory and said:

Similarly, the Cleveland Clipper Football team also expressed its sorrow at the loss of its former head coach and extended its heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

The post reads:

Dave Krenik is Survived By His Wife, Mary Parkin Krenik, Two Daughters, and The Whole Family

The former CHS head football coach, Dave Krenik, leaves behind his longtime wife, Mary Parkin Krenik.

Mary Parkin Krenik, a Kasson, Minnesota native and St. Cloud State University alum stood as the pillar of support to the late Dave Krenik during his courageous battle with cancer.

Similarly, she took to her Facebook to express her sorrow at losing her beloved husband and shared a beautiful picture of Dave.

Dave also often shared pictures of his longtime wife, Mary, expressing his love and appreciation for her before his demise.

In addition to his wife, Dave Krenik is survived by his two daughters, Laura Krenik and Sarah (Brad) Adams, his loving grandchildren, Ellie and Blake, and the whole family.

His daughter, Sarah Adams Krenik, followed in his footsteps in sports and played tennis and softball during her high school and college.

Sarah, who received her BS in Elementary Education with a focus on grades 5-8 Communication Arts and Literature at Winona State University, currently serves as the  at St. Anne’s School.

She also serves as a tennis and softball coach to children, continuing to keep her father’s legacy in coaching alive.

Furthermore, Dave Krenik’s familya Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Le Center, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2026, at Le Center Funeral Home from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with an additional hour prior to the service at the Church.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• The late Dave was born David Anthony Krenik on April 22, 1952.
• He attended Le Center High School and later graduated from the University of Winona State.
• In his honor, the Cleveland football field was officially designated Dave Krenik Field in 2026.

• Check other Articles on

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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