Bill Bingaman

Bill Bingaman, age 77, of Elko New Market, MN. Bill rode off into the sunset on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

 A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, with a visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 PM and service at 2:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN.

William Kenneth was born on January 16, 1947, in Chicago, IL to Robert and Anne Bingaman. Soon after, the family moved to Duluth, MN, where Bill grew up with his siblings. He enjoyed an active life, particularly enjoying motorcycling and hunting with his cousin Bruce and brother Bob. He frequently challenged his Aunt Ruth to games of cribbage. Bill worked most of his career as a mailer for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis.

Bill moved to Watertown, MN and developed a keen interest in rodeo roping and horseback activities. Sharing that love of horses Bill met Mavis Pinke. Many trail rides later led them to Crow Hassan Park where they were married on horseback on September 20, 1986. Bill and Mavis lived on a small hobby farm enjoying their many horses, dogs, cats and a few geese before deciding to retire and move to Wyoming. They packed up three horses and two dogs and headed for the mountains. 

They once again chose to live in the country with beautiful views and their pets. Together they shared many trail rides and cherished a simple life.

They met many like-minded friends who shared their love of camping and riding. The summers were filled with campers at his place and camping in the Big Horns. Most winters he spent 4-8 weeks horse-camping in Arizona and visiting friends there. After riding Bill loved to play games and sit out by the campfire for hours conversing with friends. He also enjoyed welding and was known for his generosity in crafting gifts for family and friends - particularly with his horse-shoe Christmas trees.

Later in life, Bill and Mavis traveled back to Minnesota to settle in Elko New Market to be closer to family. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Mavis: siblings, Robert Jr. (Pam) Bingaman and Sandy Maynard; and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Anne.