Joe TraenCoach Traen's wife Deborah told WCCO-TV -- the CBS affiliate for Minneapolis-St. Paul -- that her husband left Wednesday morning for his daily three-mile run around the neighborhood, saying that he usually ran or biked every day, other than in wrestling season, when he worked out with his student-athletes. However, a neighbor knocked on the Traen's front door to say that the coach had collapsed near the driveway.
Traen had spent 27 years working as a wrestling coach at Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown, Minn. west of the Twin Cities. He had also worked as a physical education teacher at the district's elementary school.
One of Traen's former wrestlers at Watertown-Mayer, Cole Schrupp, wrote on Facebook: "It was a privilege to have Joe in my corner for four years. His attitude and wisdom have been passed down to countless athletes and students. Lots of life long memories on and off the mat with Joe. He'll be missed."
Joseph "Joe" Anton Traen was born January 27, 1958 in Canby, Minn. He wrestled throughout his academic career, first at Canby High School (where he graduated in 1976), then at Willmar Community College and St. Cloud State University. His hobbies outside of the school consisted of anything with the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, along with riding his motorcycle, according to his funeral home obituary.
Traen is survived by his wife of 27 years, two sons, siblings, and other relatives.
Grief counselors will be available Monday at Watertown-Mayer High School.
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