Sept. 14, 2017 – La Crosse, WI – Janine “Jane” Bina died on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at Gundersen Health Systems
Janine was born in La Crosse, WI to Bernie and Odelia (Hundt) Bina on October 10, 1946. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1964, and from UW-La Crosse in 1968. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in English from UW-La Crosse in 1974.
Janine’s teaching career began in New Lisbon, WI where she taught English for one year. It continued in West Bend, WI where she taught English at West Bend West High School for 33 years, from 1970 –2003. Janine always loved going to school and teaching. She was dedicated to helping her students succeed and worked tirelessly to that end. She was awarded the Rolfs High School Teacher of the Year Award in recognition of her achievements.
Janine is survived by her mother, Odelia, and her siblings: Rod (Coletta) Bina of Madison, Gloria (John) Sampson of Onalaska, Mark Bina of Denver, and Kathy Fitzsimmons (Greg Harwood) of La Crosse. She is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Kelly (Eric) Maly, Sean (Amy) Bina, Colette (Matt) Sidney, Gabrielle (Ted) Fondryk, Todd Bina, Kevin (Megan) Fitzsimmons, and Craig (Melissa) Fitzsimmons. In addition, she is survived by sixteen great nieces and nephews.
Janine also leaves behind many good friends who were an important part of her life. In La Crosse, her special friends were known as the Howlers. In West Bend, she enjoyed her social life with Marcia, Jane, Diane, Lynn, Mary, and Carol. Janine also was inspired by and enjoyed her friends in the Democratic Party of Washington County.
She was preceded in death by her sweet dad, Bernie Bina.
A lover of literature, the arts, and travel, Janine embarked on many adventures. One highlight was the summer she spent in Poland, teaching English to Polish students in Warsaw. Other highlights include a journalism tour of London and Paris, trips to Egypt and Turkey, and cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal. In recent years, Janine has had a great time attending various Road Scholar programs.
Janine was a warm, kind, caring person. She enjoyed good times, politics, and life in general. Everyone loved Aunt Jane. We will miss her in our lives.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 17, 2017, in La Crosse Black River Beach House, 1433 Rose St., La Crosse, Wis. Burial will be held in the Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends may visit from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the North La Crosse Black River Beach House on Sunday with a gathering after the service.
There will also be a Celebration of Life held in West Bend, Wis., at a later date.