A memorial service for Ann Bindner, age 83, of Spirit Lake and formerly of Paullina, was held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Interment was at Prairie View Cemetery in Paullina.
Ann Gaylyn Bindner, the daughter of Selmer and Evelyn (Osgood) Larson, was born on March 18, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. Ann grew up in Paullina, Iowa, with her older sister, Cynthia. She spent her summers as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at Mill Creek State Park just outside Paullina and graduated from Paullina High School in 1959.
Ann attended the University of South Dakota for two years and was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. The summer after her freshman year, Ann toured 13 European countries and attended the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy.
Ann married the love of her life, Roger Bindner, on June 10, 1961, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Granville, Iowa. The newlyweds moved to Des Moines, where Ann finished her French, Spanish, and physical education degrees at Drake University. She began teaching at St. Joseph’s Academy for Girls while Roger completed law school at Drake.
Ann and Roger welcomed their son, Todd, in 1962, followed by their daughter, Kristine, in 1964, while living in the married student residence at Drake. Eventually, they returned to Paullina, where Roger joined the law firm of Ann’s father, and Ann began her teaching career, sharing her passion for languages and athletics. She taught French, Spanish, and physical education at Floyd Valley High School and coached volleyball, leading her team to the state tournament. In 1978, their family grew once more with the birth of their second daughter, Jamie.
Ann later taught Spanish at South O’Brien Schools, where she made a lasting impact on her students both in and out of the classroom. She led the Spanish Club, organizing summer trips to Mexico. She also helped establish the Paullina Little League Softball Program for girls and coached high school softball, volleyball, and golf, leading the girls’ golf team to the state tournament. Her dedication to education, sports, and mentorship helped shape countless lives.
Ann and Roger always enjoyed the lakes area and became condo owners at Okoboji Woods before retirement. Ann embraced the “Boji life” full-time when she retired from teaching. She always found joy in driving her beloved Cygal around the lakes area while listening to ”Mustang Sally” with her grandkids. She loved exercising, golfing, boating, reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Ann also loved animals, especially the family pets. She served as the “first lady” of the condo association, keeping the books while Roger served as long-time president. Ann also worked for ten years as a receptionist at Faust School of Cosmetology and three summers at Arnolds Park as a ride operator.
Roger and Ann wintered in Florida and Arizona for several years. However, when Roger passed away while in Arizona in 2018, Ann moved into Wel-Life Assisted Living Center at Spirit Lake. Ann found a way to embrace her new life, developing new friendships and getting involved in activities. While living at the center, she used her talent to write poetry, composing heartfelt verses for family, friends, the staff, and residents. She also helped write music for the bell choir and led daily exercise and church services.
Ann’s vibrant spirit was evident in everything she did—whether it was passionately following fantasy football, cheering on the Cyclones, or supporting her grandkids’ many activities. She had an impeccable sense of style, always dressed to impress with perfectly manicured nails and a flawless hairdo.
Ann was a member of P.E.O. for 56 years. She served as President of Chapter FX in Paullina and continued her membership with Chapter BE in Spirit Lake. Ann was also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford.
Ann passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, at Accura in Spirit Lake, Iowa, at 83 years of age.
Ann will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Todd Bindner (Beth) of Eagle, Idaho; daughter, Kristine Faust (Kent) of Paullina, Iowa; daughter, Jamie Van Horn (Steve) of Waukee, Iowa; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister, Cynthia Lenz; sister-in-law, Linda Sorensen; brother and sister-in law, Tim and Lynn Bindner; her beloved hairdresser and dear friend, Jodi Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, three brothers-in-law, three nephews, and two nieces. Her legacy to listen, love, and inspire will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
