Binder, Calvin William (1924-2019)

BINDER, SAATHOFF, WOELHOFF

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:23

Calvin William Binder
February 3, 1924 - February 24, 2019

Calvin William Binder, age 95, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

The second child and oldest brother of five children, Calvin was born to Fred and Alva Binder in Oak Hill, Kansas, on February 3, 1924. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Freda Gunter. During World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps. Before leaving for overseas, however, he and Freda secretly married. Stationed in Italy, he served as a tail gunner with a B-17 crew. After he returned from the service, they took up farming outside Oakhill, Kansas. They, subsequently, moved to northwest Iowa to farm in 1953. In 1963 Calvin was one of the early patients to successfully come through open heart surgery. He retired from farming a couple of years later and spent the rest of his career selling insurance in northwest Iowa. In 1975, they moved to Alta, Iowa, where they lived for the next twenty-three years. Calvin enjoyed golfing and socializing with their many friends and family members. In 1998, Calvin and Freda moved back to Kansas where they lived for five years before relocating to the sunny climate of Georgetown, Texas. There, they enjoyed eleven years of golfing, card playing, and socializing before moving into a nursing home in 2014.

While his B-17 crew was holding a reunion in 1979, the members decided to hold annual reunions in the years to come. This group became family and Calvin looked forward to the time they spent together, telling and retelling many stories and making many new memories.

People who knew Calvin will remember his amazing big laugh. A gentleman to the end, he will be remembered for his fairness, kindness, inner strength, and friendship.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wayne; his sister, Ruth; and his sons, Bill and John.

In addition to his lifetime love, Freda, Calvin is survived by his daughter, Marilyn and Bob Saathoff; his son John’s wife, Kathy Binder, his son, Scott, and Denise Binder; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Leona, and Truman Woelhoff; and his brother, Merle, and Noleen Binder; as well as by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family is not having a service at this time. Memorial monies can be sent in Calvin’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Storm Lake, Iowa 2019.

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