Duane Albert Bingel of Fort Myers, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep at Shell Point Retirement Community on September 3rd, 2023 shortly after celebrating his 92nd birthday.
He was born on August 21st, 1931 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Oswald and Genevieve (Rider) Bingel of Wayne, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Jean Bingel of Ft, Myers, Florida, children, Virginia Suzanne Pearce of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Bradford Duane Bingel of Parkland, Florida, and sisters-in-law Joan Bingel of Chelsea, Michigan and Mary Jane (Edgar) Geerlings of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was delighted to be a grandfather to Douglas James (Sheena) Pearce of St. Joseph, Michigan and Katherine Elizabeth (Ty) Budzynski of Grand Rapids, Michigan and great grandfather to Alanna, Elizabeth, and Emma Budzynski.
He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Dwight C. Bingel.
Duane graduated from the University of Michigan's College of Engineering in 1953 and then served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He enjoyed careers in engineering at Aeroquip and then sales and marketing management with Merillat Industries located in Adrian, Michigan. Married to the love of his life for just shy of 70 years, he and Jean were able to enjoy many trips abroad and took pride in the succession of homes they had built in various Michigan locations. Their last homes were at Glen Lake, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City before moving to Ft. Myers, Florida. Besides always being ready to play games and debate politics, he was a true blue Wolverine and patriot through and through. Go red, white, and especially Blue!
A private family remembrance will take place this summer at Glen Lake according to his wishes. The family would like to thank Shell Point's compassionate staff in their care of Duane during his last days. Relatives and friends are welcome to leave messages and memories in the guestbook at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home –
www.reynolds-jonkoff.com
. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Michigan Marching Band Scholarship Fund – 575027 in his memory either on-line at
https://donate.umich.edu/Y3vGz
or by check sent to Attn: Emily Sharpe, SMTD Advancement, 2005 Baits Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 with 'MMB Scholarship Fund – 575027' included in the memo line.