William Michael Drinane

Bill Drinane was born on Dec. 8, 1951, in St. Paul to Catherine G. (Fenlon) and William F. Drinane. They were a strong Irish Catholic family, and Bill attended parochial school through 12th grade, graduating from Hill High School in Maplewood. Bill grew up on St. Paul's East Side, forming deep, life-long friendships that lasted until his passing. He lost his courageous battle with Parkinson's on Jan. 17, 2024. Bill attended the UMN, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He graduated cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law and worked in private practice for over thirty years. He served as an adjunct professor at Wm. Mitchell and then Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Bill enjoyed practicing law, trial work in particular. Bill was passionate about physical fitness and worked out daily at the YMCA. He enjoyed the out-of-doors and volunteered for many years at the YMCA Camp du Nord, later taking his family there as campers. About twenty-five years ago Bill decided to learn to play the bagpipes and joined the Zurah Shrine Pipes and Drums. He was an avid reader and especially loved reading biographies and about American History. It was heartbreaking to watch Bill gradually give up these activities as his Parkinson's progressed. In 1983 Bill was joined in marriage to his lifelong partner, Sara. Together they settled in Roseville to raise their family. Marriage to Sara brought about a new interest in classical music. Bill willingly supported Sara's passion for music and attended the Lutheran churches she served. He was dedicated to his faith and church communities. He is a former church council president of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville. Bill was a family man. For many years his life was focused on the academic and extracurricular activities of his children, Mike and Katie. Countless hours were spent driving long distances in search of snow for ski training and to cross country / track meets. Bill loved being a father, but the light of his life were his three beautiful granddaughters. Family and friends will miss Bill's keen intellect, quick wit, and sound judgment. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Catherine Drinane. He is survived by his wife, Sara (Bush); son, Mike Drinane (Krista Billerbeck); daughter, Catherine Grunseth (Christoffer Grunseth); granddaughters, Anna and Laura Grunseth and Maeve Drinane; brother, Gerald (Val) Drinane; brothers-in-law, William (Connie) Bush and John Bush; and seven nephews. He is also survived by a wealth of wonderful friends and extended family. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Macalester College Pipe Band, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, or the Twin Cities Opera Guild. The family is thankful for the care and support of Elk Ridge Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice. Memorial service 11:00 AM Friday, January 26, 2024 (visitation one hour prior) at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1465 Victoria St. N., St. Paul, MN. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.

Tributes

William Michael Drinane

December 8, 1951 - January 17, 2024

Tributes

William Michael Drinane

December 8, 1951 - January 17, 2024

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203