Tecla Binder

Tecla E. Binder, age 94, of Okemos, Formerly of Kilmanagh, was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 2, 2015.

Tecla was born in Kilmanagh on November 25, 1920, to the late Edna (Dinkel) and Clemens P. Woldt. They lived above the family's general store for her first 5 years and then moved to her grandparent's home next to the store. After attending the Kilmanagh Lutheran School, she graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1939 and then moved to Saginaw to work at a bank. On November 10, 1946, she and Wilbert Binder married and after a short time in Detroit, they moved back to Kilmanagh to the Sears Catalog home her grandfather, Albert Woldt built in 1925 and they lived there for the rest of their married life. Tecla was employed and retired from the Pigeon Lumber Company. In 2007, Tecla moved to Okemos to be cared for by her daughter and family. She enjoyed gardening, baking for her family, attending church, was a devoted listener to the Lutheran Hour, reading Portals of Prayer, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are her daughter, Mira and son-in-law, Greg Edgerton; her especially loved granddaughters and their spouses: Heidi and Neil Haremski and Marissa and Chase Putans. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lisa Edgerton and Mike Edgerton. She was blessed to be able to know, love and cherish great grandchildren: Jackson and Carter Haremski, Nicholas and Emilia Putans, and Aaron and Austin Edgerton. In addition, she leaves 2 nephews with their spouses: Steven and Barb Woldt and Greg and Pam Woldt; one niece, Vickie and Ken Boesnecker; and special friends, Tom and Brenda Voss. We wish to extend a special thanks to caregivers, Arlene, Lorraine, Brenda, Vicki, Betsy, the staff at the Willows, the staff at Riverwind, Hometown Hospice, and to Pastor Kurt Dwyer.

Tecla was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wilbert in 1998, after 52 years of marriage; her 4 year old son, Mark, in 1958; her brother, Ronald, in 2007; and her niece, Tammy, in 2013.

The funeral service will be Friday, August 7, 2015, at St. John's Lutheran Church – Kilmanagh, where she was a lifelong member- the same church she was baptized, confirmed and married in. Visitation will begin at the church at 10AM until the time of service at 11AM. Pastor Wenskay will be officiating.

Burial will take place at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing.

Memorial donations may be given to the Lutheran Hour, St. John's Lutheran Church or any hospice organization of your choice.