Clarence "Dutch" H. Bindert

Clarence “Dutch” H. Bindert, 96, of Fond du Lac, went to his eternal home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Lakehouse Assisted Living. He was born on September1,1929, to Emil and Ida (Yanke) Bindert in the Town of Friendship. He was raised for many years in the Fond du Lac Children’s Home. Dutch married the love of his life, Shirley Prill, on September 2, 1950, at Our Saviour Ev. Lutheran Church. Dutch was a dedicated employee at Kiekhaefer Mercury, starting his career in October 1947 and working there for 45 years until his retirement in 1992. Anyone at Mercury who worked with Dutch would tell you he was well liked for his ability to treat everyone with respect, compassion, kindness and fairness. He was extremely proud to have worked there for so many years and was always gracious and thankful for the opportunities the company provided. His best sleep, he always said, was dreaming of being back at Mercury. He was a past member of the Board of Directors at Mercury Marine Credit Union and the Board of Directors of the Quarter Century Club. Dutch entered the Army, 7th Inf. Division and served in the Korean War from March 22, 1951, until December 22, 1952. He was extremely honored and proud of his service to our country and a true patriot throughout his life. He recently joined the Mount Calvary American Legion and was a past member of the VFW Post 1904. Hardly a day would go by that you wouldn’t see Dutch proudly wearing his Korean War Veteran hat. On Friday mornings he looked forward to meeting with fellow veterans at Festival Foods as they graciously provided a room filled with coffee and donuts to feed the comradery the veterans so richly deserve. The friendships he acquired there meant so much to him. After his service to our country, Dutch and Shirley started their family and had two daughters, Karen and Deborah. Throughout the years, the family enjoyed their weekends and vacations on Waupaca Chain of Lakes. They started out staying in Camp Cleghorn and enjoyed water skiing, canoeing, their daily walks, cross-country skiing and gardening. When the three O’clock bell would ring, most surely you would see them meeting up with family and friends on the Indian Crossing Casino porch for conversation and of course a few refreshments, a tradition that lasted for many years. Eventually they built their dream cabin on Rural Road on a five-acre parcel. For many years they worked tirelessly to make it just the way they wanted. It became a labor of love he and Shirley enjoyed together for many years finding much peace and serenity. Dutch’s strong faith was a cornerstone of his life including his morning devotions and weekly church attendance. Over the years Dutch served on Church Council, the Usher Team and the Couples Club. He and Shirley spent many years volunteering at Fond du Lac Lutheran Home at the resident monthly birthday parties. At Hope Lutheran Church for the past several years, he enjoyed his Tuesday mornings on the money counting committee and developed treasured friendships, so much so, that after the counting was done, most would further their fellowship with a breakfast out. Family was the centerpiece of their life together for Dutch and Shirley. They were always supportive and involved in every way to live life to the fullest. Dutch’s engaging personality drew people to enjoy his friendship. As a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather he was always present to support them in their activities. Almost without failure, you would find him on the sidelines or in the stands cheering his grandchildren on, because he was their biggest fan, no matter the sport. After Shirley’s passing, he would continue his daily walks. His favorite place was Lakeside Park where he would walk, rest to reflect, engage in conversation with whomever. Often, he would tell us with a grin, “provided more counseling at the park today”. Another favorite getaway was the family cottage in Eagle River where he so enjoyed being there with family to watch them have fun skiing, tubing, fishing and the end of day bonfire. Each time up north it wouldn’t be complete without his favorite fish fry. Dutch is survived by a sister Carol Hinz of Fond du Lac, a daughter Karen (Kim) Suhs of Fond du Lac, three grandchildren; DeAnne (John) Jones of Fond du Lac, Keegan (Alissa) Murphy of Appleton and Dr. Kaleigh (Dr. Brett Hapeman) Suhs, Mesa, AZ; seven great-grandchildren: Rose, Jake, Sam, Kellan, Taytum, Ronan and Rilynn and two great-great grandchildren: Nova and Zari. He is preceded in death by his parents Emil and Ida (Yanke) Bindert, wife Shirley, daughter Deborah Andrews, son-in-law Jim Andrews, brothers Elsworth, Keneth, Francis and a sister Lila. VISITATION: Family will greet friends and relatives from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dr. Phillip Enderle officiating. Entombment to follow at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, 686 Fond du Lac Avenue, with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 454. It’s just a few blocks from the church. The family would like for all to join them for a luncheon back at the church following entombment. Special thanks to the staff at Lakehouse Assisted Living for the love, care and comfort they provided along with so many special friendships made. Also, to Fond du Lac and Froedtert Cancer Centers for the treatments and care provided throughout his seven-year courageous battle with pancreatic and bladder cancer. Thank you also to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank Bob Bittner who was such a special friend of Dutch, throughout the many years, especially the last two at Lakehouse. Sharing activities and meals together, Bob always checked in on him, especially the last month stopping by several times a day to deliver bacon, share a smile and conversation or just sit. Many thanks go out to Dr. Tom and Denise Carlson for watching over Dutch and treating him like one of their family members whether it be conversation after church service, phone calls, cards or visits. Another special thank you to Marge Pelky. Dutch considered her like a daughter and cherished the phone calls, visits, love and care she selflessly provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Hope Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Clarence "Dutch" H. Bindert

September 1, 1929 - July 8, 2026