Charlotte A. Bingham, 93

Charlotte A. Bingham, 93, of Woodstock passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2021, following a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

She was born Jan. 18, 1928, in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, to Alex and Eva (Ingram) Dahlby. She married John (“Jack”) Bingham on Nov. 1, 1952, in Menomonie, Wis.

Charlotte grew up in Cedar Falls, Wis., during the Great Depression with her parents and three sisters in a house with no indoor plumbing. Charlotte’s mother played and taught piano, so the house was frequently full of music. The four “Dahlby Sisters” would sing hymns and the latest hit songs of the 1930s while washing dishes.

Charlotte attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she graduated with a B.S. in home economics and education in 1949. She taught senior high home economics in Richland Center, Wis., and later was offered the position of home adviser in St. Croix County for the University of Wisconsin Extension. Charlotte’s work brought her to the county fair at Glenwood City, Wis., where she met Jack Bingham in 1951.

Jack’s passion was dairy farming, and after they were married in 1952, Charlotte embraced the Holstein world. Jack was herdsman and manager on various farms such as Hickory Creek Farm in McHenry, the Pat Williams Farm in Huntley, Lamkinland in Effingham, and Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda. Charlotte worked alongside Jack in the barn and in the office, while raising their three sons, Steve, Tom and Wayne, who all value and appreciate having grown up on a farm. They declare that their mother made the best apple pie they’ve ever tasted. All the while, Charlotte was active in the University of Illinois Home Extension organization, mentoring young people. She made many lifelong friends while serving in various leadership positions, including president of the Lake County Homemakers Association board. She received the Lake County Extension Hall of Fame Award for Outstanding Service and Support in 2011.

As a widow at age 86 in 2014, Charlotte moved to Woodstock to be closer to family. With her “zest for life” attitude, she made good friends in her new neighborhood and church, many of whom visited her regularly on her sunny front porch. At the Presbyterian Church, she co-led a new women’s group (TLC), which she thoroughly enjoyed. Charlotte was a strong and passionate person, with a good sense of humor. By example, she taught confidence, tenacity, respect, integrity, and how to be a lifelong learner. She was dearly loved, and will be missed.

Charlotte is survived by her three children, Steven (Nancy) Bingham, Thomas (Barbara) Bingham, and Wayne (Kristine) Bingham; seven grandchildren, Laura (Christopher “Norm”) Persick, David Bingham, Sarah (Michael) Putman, Jacqueline (Dane) Hasselbring, Allyson (Skyler) Sailors, Daniel Bingham, and Jennifer Bingham; nine great-grandchildren; sister Mildred Halvorson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sisters.

A visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 2018 N. Route 47, Woodstock, on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m., with a funeral service immediately following. Interment will be in North Johnstown Cemetery, Milton, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock, or to the University of Illinois Foundation for the John (“Jack”) and Charlotte A. Bingham Scholarship Endowment Fund (773925).