Frances Jean Bingel

Frances Jean Bingel, 93, of Fort Myers, Florida and Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2025 at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers. She was born on October 8, 1931 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to MacEchren & Frances June (Connery) Watterworth. After attending the University of Michigan, she married Duane Albert Bingel in 1953. Jean devoted her life to being a mother, homemaker, and supporting her husband in his career. Jean and Duane made wonderful memories together as they traveled the world during their marriage. They were avid U of M football fans, holding season tickets for many years and attending as many games as possible. Possessing a natural artistry, Jean was the driving force behind the structural design and beautiful interior decor of a series of homes she and Duane had built, the last of which were in the Glen Lake and Suttons Bay, Michigan area, before moving to Ft. Myers, Florida. She is responsible for the family’s love of reading, ice cream, jigsaw puzzles, and playing games of all sorts, especially during evenings and rainy days at the lake, including our own special version of Christmas Bingo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of nearly 70 years, and her only sibling, Mary Jane (& Ed) Geerlings of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jean is survived by her 2 children: Virginia Suzanne Pearce of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Bradford Duane Bingel of Parkland, Florida; 2 grandchildren, Douglas James (& Sheena) Pearce of St. Joseph, Michigan and Katherine Elizabeth (& Ty) Budzynski of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and 3 great grandchildren, Alanna, Elizabeth, and Emma Budzynski. A private family remembrance will take place at Glen Lake according to her wishes. The family would like to thank Shell Point’s compassionate staff in their care of Jean while at Kings Crown and during her extensive stay at the Larsen Center. Relatives and friends are welcome to leave messages and memories in the guestbook at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home – www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.