Wanda L. Bina

Wanda L. Bina, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on May 29, 1939, on her family’s farm in Ettrick, Wisconsin, to Leslie and Maida Larson.

Wanda married Thomas Bina in 1961, began a living marriage that spanned more than six decades. Shortly after their marriage, Tom began his career as band director at Viroqua High School. Their life together took them from Platteville to the Madison area and then to La Crosse before they settled in Onalaska in 1972. Onalaska became home, and Wanda remained there for the rest of her life.

Wanda devoted herself to her family. She was a stay-at-home mother who took great pride in raising her three sons, John, Joe, and James, and creating a warm and loving home for her family. In the 1970s, she and her good friend Gloria Bertram also ran a wallpapering business together, and later enjoyed her time working for Walgreens.

Wanda found happiness in the simple things that filled everyday life. She loved cooking, gardening, spending time with her family, and especially doting on her grandchildren. Like Tom, she was a faithful fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, and cheering for their teams was something they enjoyed together for many years.

Her six grandchildren brought Wanda tremendous joy, and she treasured the time she spent with Alec, Elena, Katie, Peter, Rachel, and Thomas. Her family will remember her for her love and devotion, the home she created, the meals she prepared, the traditions she carried on, and the many ordinary moments that, with her passing, have become especially precious.

Wanda was also a woman of strong Christian faith. Her belief in Jesus Christ remained an important part of her life, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now home with the Lord and reunited with Tom.

Her family is deeply grateful to the staff at Havenwood Assisted Living in Onalaska for the care, compassion, and kindness they showed Wanda during the final two years of her life.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Bina (1939 - 2024); her mother, Maida Larson (1917 - 1979); and her father, Leslie Larson (1907 - 2000).

She is survived by her three sons, John Bina (Dawn) of Lakeville, Minnesota; Joe Bina (Dolly) of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and James Bina (Renee) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her sister, Sandra Rutschow (Bill) of Ettrick, Wisconsin; her brother, Donovan Larson of Decorah, Iowa; and her six grandchildren, Alec, Elena, Katie, Peter, Rachel, and Thomas.

A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held on October 10, 2026, at Schumacher-Kish, 200 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601, at 11:00, with an hour of visitation prior. Reverend Scott Skogen will preside, and a light lunch will follow.