Donald G Binninger

With gentle peace and surrounded by love, Donald G. Binninger—known fondly to many as “Binny”—passed away at home on April 9, 2025, at the age of 96.

Born on October 1, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, Don’s life was one marked by quiet strength, steadfast devotion, and the kind of warmth that made everyone feel like family. He spent his early years in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where his roots were planted deeply and where his enduring love for family and tradition began to blossom.

After graduating high school, Don answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a young man, he served with honor in both World War II and the Korean War, earning the WWII Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button. He rose to the rank of sergeant and carried the dignity and discipline of that role with him for the rest of his days.

Don pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning an Associate’s Degree in Journalism and proudly playing basketball for the Badgers. He went on to work as a purchasing agent, a career he held with integrity until his retirement in 1998.

That same year, he and his beloved second wife, Libby, relocated to Bradenton, Florida, where they enjoyed 25 golden years of sunshine, golf, and community. Don made a hole-in-one in one of his very first games in Florida—a proud moment he cherished and retold with a twinkle in his eye.

Whether bowling, attending local events, or penning heartfelt poems for his family, Don’s creative and generous spirit never waned.

He was married to Mary King for 33 years and later to Libby Downs, also for 33 years—a testament to his loyalty and the deep bonds he nurtured throughout his life. After Libby’s passing in 2023, Don returned to Pleasant Prairie to live with his daughter, Wendi, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by family, love, and familiar comforts.

Don will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his thoughtful nature, and the steady, dependable presence he offered to everyone around him. He had an orderly mind and a poet’s heart—a rare and beautiful combination.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Amy Binninger; his sisters, Dorothy John and Janet Papenak; and his cherished wives, Mary and Libby.

He leaves behind a proud and loving family: his children Jeffrey Binninger (Diego Gomez Guapo), Wendi Barnes (Darrell Bowling), and Dawn Binninger (Norm Olson); his grandchildren Donald Binninger Jr., Tera Barnes, Amy Moore, Kristen Michels, Jason Pietrowski, and Ashlee Pietrowski; and 11 great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, and grace.

Binny’s story is one of devotion—to family, to service, to simple joys, and to the quiet beauty of a life well-lived. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

A Gentle Man

He walked with quiet purpose,

His heart a steady flame,

A man of grace and honor,

Who never sought out fame.

He offered strength in silence,

And kindness without end,

A father, soldier, poet—

A soul we called a friend.

The golf course, sky, and paper

Were canvases he knew,

Each stroke, each word, each moment,

Intentional and true.

Now soft winds carry whispers

Of stories, warm and wide—

For love like his stays rooted,

Still standing by our side.

-by Tera Barnes