LOVES PARK — Dan Winter has accomplished a lot as a bowler since picking up the sport as an 11-year-old. Most of that came before he faced his biggest obstacle in his life. But he saved one of his more remarkable achievements for afterward.
On Nov. 29, Winter bowled a three-game series of 879, tying the all-time record — with pro bowler Jesse Buss — for the highest in Rockford-area history. The 72-year-old rolled two straight 300 games before finishing with a 279 in his third game.
“At my age, it felt good that I could compete,” said Winter, who was inducted into the Illinois Bowling Hall of Fame in 2013.
To set that kind of record at his age was an exceptional achievement in and of itself. When considering what Winter was dealing just a year prior, it would’ve seemed improbable. Winter was diagnosed with throat cancer in October of 2016, which led to his larynx (voice box) being removed just a month later.
“I didn’t even know if I would live,” Winter said.
Not only did he survive, he was back performing at a high level on the lanes in a matter of months.
“It’s extremely uplifting,” said Park Lanes general manager Kurt Stellern. “It’s encouraging when you see a guy that’s been through so much that could’ve just given up and felt sorry for themselves. He didn’t do that. He fought back. It’s a testament to what Dan is all about.”
Bowling has been a big part of Winter’s life over the past six decades. The three-time Rockford bowler of the year got his start bowling at Highcrest Lanes when his family moved to the city in 1956. He bowled in a junior travel league for several years before college and being drafted in 1967. After spending two years in the Army, he returned to Rockford where he would take over Highcrest before getting married in 1975 and selling the facility in 1976 — the year he would graduate from Northern Illinois University with his CPA.
He worked for Sundstrand from 1977 to 2004, while staying involved in the bowling world, competing both locally and at national events. His most proud achievement was holding the highest two-year average in the ABC (American Bowling Congress) from 1998 to 1999.
Winter said he’s not as consistent of a bowler as he once was, but he still competes in four leagues and two tournaments every week.
“In any three-game series, I can compete with anybody,” Winter said. “I’m not as good as I used to be. I have ups and downs. But every once in a while you have a good day.”
And Winter has proven that good days can still come even after the worst of times.
“That’s what I think has shocked everybody is that he came back from what he went through and performed so well,” Stellern said. “Whether it’s bowling or whatever else, don’t ever give up. You’re going to go through some tough times and you’re going to get through it. He did it.”
Adam Kradle: 815-987-1388; akradle@rrstar.com; @AdamJKradle