Ann W. Binzel

Ann Binzel, nee Wiebrecht, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the impressive age of 93 . Ann was born on December 20, 1923—a day she believed was entirely too close to Christmas—in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where she spent the days of her youth living on 72nd Street with her beloved parents, Albert and Pauline, and her cherished brother, Jim. Ann had a lovely childhood, during which she traveled around Canada on weeks-long camping and horseback-riding excursions; summered at the family cottage on Big Cedar Lake and played a fierce game of field hockey at The Milwaukee University School. After high school, Ann attended Carleton College before transferring to her alma mater, Iowa State University, where she focused her studies on becoming a dietician. Ann married George Binzel, a childhood friend of over twenty years at the time of their union, and gave birth to a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, in 1953 and a son, Peter Albert, in 1962. Ann lived the majority of her life in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where she actively was involved with her beloved church, Zion Episcopal, and spent her days quietly honing her expert knitting skills. After raising her own children, Ann was a caregiver, cheerleader and champion for her three grandchildren, Erin, Andrew (Drew) and Bryce, who knew her as “Mimi,” and were taught some very important life truths, including: Turtle Sundaes are the best (non-negotiable); weekend dinners must be preceded by a cocktail hour full of hors d’oeuvres and a bit of scotch (with just a splash of water); it’s important to dance in the rain, preferably with a big, black umbrella and “Singin’ in the Rain” blasting from the stereo; and everyone’s kitchen should have an unlimited supply of Werther’s Original candies. Mimi later became the proud great-grandmother to a girl, Kenzie, and a boy, Callan, who were fortunate to spend time with her in her later years, during which time she set a wonderful example of an independent, self-sufficient woman, who continued to drive, manage her finances, attend church and voraciously read books. Ann is survived by her brother, James Wiebrecht; sister-in-law, Kay Wiebrecht; daughter, Mary Martin; son-in-law, Jeffrey Martin; son, Peter Binzel; daughter-in-law, Mel Binzel; grandchildren, Erin (Andy) Warmus, Drew Martin, Bryce Martin, Alexa Ballinger and Taylor Ballinger; and great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Callan Warmus. Memorials in Ann’s name may be made to Zion Episcopal Church, 135 Rockwell Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066.