July 28, 2022 at 7:47 p.m.
Robert Louis Binette
Bob was the youngest of two children from Louis and Marie Binette. He was born on Sept. 17, 1930 in Harvey, Ill. He spent his childhood years in Hazelcrest, Ill. and went to high school at Thornton Township High School. Bob excelled at both football and basketball in high school and received a scholarship from Drake University to play football. The four years he spent at Drake as a tight end earned him the nickname of T.D. Binette and All American status his senior year. His hard work and excellence on the field earned him a leadership role on the team. In his last two seasons he shared a co-captain status on the team with his best friend and unanimous first team All-American Johnny Bright. Bob married his high school sweetheart Charlotte Fredrick on Aug. 18, 1951 so he could bring her to Des Moines for his senior year at Drake. They moved back to Illinois shortly after his graduation.
Bob and Char both focused their passions on the field of education. Bob chose to utilize his gifts as a coach at Hillcrest High School. As the head coach at Hillcrest he created one of the most successful high school football programs in the state of Illinois. There were two back-to-back seasons in the early 1970’s in which Hillcrest high school remained undefeated until the famous HF/Hillcrest battle for state playoffs in 1975. It was during this tenure at Hillcrest when the endearing nickname “The Bear” became an appropriate fit. After his successful tenure as a teacher and coach he took a sabbatical break returning to college and earning his master’s degree at Indiana State University. He went on to become an athletic director at Bremen high school before retiring at the young age of 55 years. Most of their retirement years were spent in Lake Tomahawk and traveling to Chicago, San Diego and Atlanta to visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
If all the stories about the Bear could be summed up in one sitting the traits of his character would weave a common theme. He was a self-determined man who did things his way. He believed in the integrity of a handshake to solidify an agreement. He believed in the ethics of hard work and delayed gratification. He was trustworthy and loyal and expected as much from those he loved. His ambitions drove him to be successful in all of his endeavors and naturally provided him with ample opportunity to be a leader and mentor to so many. He was well respected by his family, his peers and in the community. His charisma was magnetic; he could light up a room with his outgoing personality and bright blue eyes. And if you could coax him into singing he would steal the show. He lived life in full fashion, with gusto and passion. He was larger than life. But the real beauty of his character was his huge heart. His love and compassion for family and friends was deep and unrelenting. You could always receive a big bear hug whenever you just wanted it or needed it. You always knew how much he loved you. He was our hero. We love you Papa Bear. You will always be with us.
If you feel compelled, we are recommending donations go to the HYF Lakeland Pantry, P.O. Box 470, Woodruff, WI 54568.
Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.
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