Donald Joseph Bins

Donald J. Bins, 91, of Green Bay, WI, died December 20, 2021. Don was born April 8, 1930 to Elizabeth and Ed Bins on the family farm in the town of Humboldt. He started taking accordion lessons at age 11, and by 13 was playing at local clubs, weddings, and parties, with his 16-year old drummer; they called themselves The Swing Kids. Don was a lifelong musician, who later took up the organ and taught organ lessons. He was in several bands during his lifetime, and in later years organized a groups called The Gentleman and The Melody Men.

Don had a passion for flying; he soloed at age 16 and bought his first plane, a Piper Cub, at age 19. He was a licensed pilot for 49 years. He put in an airstrip on his father's farm, that later became Nicolet Airport, Green Bay's secondary airport.

He also loved boating, and was a member of the Green Bay Boat Club and the Green Bay Yacht club for many years. Hunting was another hobby, with yearly trips to Montana and annual treks to "The Shack", the family hunting cabin built by his father Ed Bins. He was an avid fisherman as well.

Don married Margaret Kolb in April of 1954, and they were married for 61 years. They had 3 children; Greg (Linda L.) Bins and Dan (Linda J.) Bins of Green Bay; and Jean (Tom) Curran of Satellite Beach, FL. They enjoyed taking family camping trips for years to Canada and northern Wisconsin.

Don was a member of the Army National Guard; as SFC, he served in a tank company with the 426th Infantry and the 127th Infantry, 32nd Division, from 1950-1957. He was a member of the Musicians' Union Local 205 for over 60 years; American Legion Post 518; The Elks Club Post 259; Moose Club Post 801; Northeast Wisconsin Accordion Club; and Knights of Columbus #5382. He and his wife Margaret were long-time members of St. Agnes Parish.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Liz and Ed Bins; his three brothers: Marvin, Ervin, and Frank Bins; his wife, Margaret Bins; and his granddaughter, Kelly Apkarian. He is survived by his 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Grace Bins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay), Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5 to 7 PM. A prayer service will be held at 7 PM to conclude the visiting hours. Visitation will continue at St. Agnes Parish (1484 9th St., Green Bay), Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 10 to 11 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 AM with Fr. Patrick Beno, celebrant. Burial will be in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Isaar, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Bay Area Humane Society in Don's name are appreciated.

The family would like to thank the staff of Allouez Parkside Village and Unity Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of our father.