Fawnie Ward Binschus passed away peacefully on August 18, 2012, at the age of 85, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Greenville, Michigan, on January 4, 1927, to Albert Otto and Melissa Mae (MacFarland) Binschus. In 1939, the family moved to Bellingham, where he attended school. He later joined the U. S. Army with his brother, Albert Binschus. He was a veteran of World War II, where he aided in liberating concentration camps. He could never understand how so much pain and suffering could be inflicted on fellow mankind. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he moved to the upper Skagit Valley, and there met his “Angel,” Margie Denny. They were married, and made their first home in Rockport, and later settled in Marblemount, on the banks of the Cascade River, where he made his home with his loving wife. He became a member of the Laborers Local Union 901, which provided work for him for 50 years, doing heavy construction work. He was always the first on the job and the last to leave. He was quick to point out, that Jack Martin and he were the two drillers and powder monkeys that put virtually all of the “vertical half holes” on the rock walls going over the North Cascade Highway. His hearing loss was caused from all of the drilling and blasting. He had a great love for the outdoors, hard work, hunting, fishing, throwing horseshoes and playing pool. With a constant desire to win, he was the ultimate competitor. He was a proud member of the Skagit Valley Pool League, where he won numerous league championships with his sons. Fawnie and Margie opened their door to all. Together they hosted many family gatherings. Annually, a spectacular garden would flourish. Fawnie loved to grow a large garden and distribute it among his family and friends. Although burdened by cancer and loss of memory, he never forgot those closest to him. Fawnie was cared for jointly, by his son Larry (Carrie) and his daughter Ann (Chris) over the past several years. The last 4 months of this life, he resided at Life Care Center in Mount Vernon. His smile was a constant reminder of the love and respect he had for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. He was always the first to extend his hand for a handshake. He loved to be around family and friends. Survivors include his daughter, Ann Holmgren (Chris Vollans); sons, Fred, John, Jim, Larry (Carrie) Binschus; brother Albert Otto Binschus; sisters, Lillian Dalton-Smith, Levetia Wilson, Lucille Foust; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Margie; his parents Otto and Mae; brothers, Bud, Fred, Claude, Jack; sister, Helen Rothschild; an infant son, Claudie Ray; and daughter-in-law, Julie Ann Binschus, another “Angel” that we all miss so very, very much!!!
The family would like to thank Wendy and all the staff members who helped take care of Dad at Life Care Center.
A time of visitation will be available from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Friday at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. A graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley, on Saturday, August 25th at 12:00 noon. A potluck fellowship gathering will follow at Jim’s home, 7974 Wing Lane, Sedro-Woolley
My dad was Fred Binschus( Freddy ) of Jackson, Mich. Aunt myrtle( my great Aunt) was Grandma Mae sister who was my sister Grandmother . Aunt myrtle adopted a little boy who she named George(Russ) possibly her second husband’s last name.. I believe her first husband’s last name was Patterson. I know it’s confusing . My mother was married to Fred Binschus and also to George Russ. I grew up with uncle Claude’ s two sons, Larry & Jerry Binschus. Also uncle Bud And Aunt Sally . There are a number of Binschus’ who still live in and around Jackson, mich. I live in Ca. I only met Fawnie once when I was 10 yrs old. Reading his obituary tells me I missed out on knowing a very nice man/ uncle. Sincere best wishes to his family, Sharon A. Binschus/ Evans
Rest in Peace Fawnie,you and your fantastic wife Marge were 2 of the best people I have ever known,and we go back alot of years up at Marblemount,I can’t begin to say it all,so many memory’s,so much fun all through the years,your children take after both of you,just fine people,like brothers & sisters,family,so SUPER are all of you!!,we’ll meet you again Fawnie,God bless, you and Marge are in his hands now,together!