Clarence Bina

Clarence Adolph Bina, Jr., 81, of Bismarck, ND, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Sanford Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A social gathering will follow at the Bismarck-Mandan Elks club, 900 S Washington St, Bismarck.

Clarence was born August 27, 1942 in Lakota, ND to Clarence C. and Agnes M. Bina. He spent his early years in Lankin, ND and moved with his parents and brother, Gordon, to Brocket, ND where he graduated from Brocket High School in 1960. There he excelled in basketball and charming the girls.

He was a life-long learner and educator, graduating from Mayville State College with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1964. In 1966 he graduated from NDSU with a Master’s degree in English. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, he obtained a PhD in English from UND in 1975 and a Master’s of Public Administration in 1982. As a life-long learner, he wanted to help others continue to learn. To that end, he donated his body to the UND School of Medicine.

Clarence married Leeila (Tvinnereim), in Grand Forks, ND on April 10, 1965. From this union, they raised two children, Brett Ayn and Blake Gordon.

Early in his career he taught English at several colleges in North Dakota, including NDSU, BJC, Minot State College and UND. Clarence and Leeila moved permanently to Bismarck in 1974. In Bismarck he worked at Basin Electric as a grant writer and later at the North Dakota Department of Instruction as Director of Special Projects. He concluded his career at Valley City State University in 2003. There he cemented his legacy as an educator by establishing a mentorship program for teachers. To the relief of his children, he finally retired his red pen and dictionary.

Clarence was an enthusiastic member of a number of organizations including Bismarck Mandan Elks 1199 where he was Exalted Ruler in 1995-1996. He was a Worthy Master of the Bismarck Masonic Lodge 5 in 2001-2002 and was very proud to have been bestowed with the honorary 33^rd degree in November 2023. Additionally, he was a member of the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Club, North Dakota Wildlife Federation, and the American Canoe Association, to name a few.

Clarence was an avid sportsman and hunter. Every fall would find him grouse, pheasant and deer hunting. He was able to enjoy one last hunt with his son and grandson in November of 2023. Clarence had many hobbies, the most prolific of which was brewing beer and concocting the finest Czech liqueors including custom labels.

He also loved to dance. He especially enjoyed the Czech polkas and waltzes. Of course, he had his own rendition of modern dancing with the “shotgun” and “fly-fishing” moves. He and Leeila loved to travel. They went on several cruises and bus trips. He especially enjoyed the three trips they made to Prague and parts of the Czech Republic.

Clarence loved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them and attending their activities whenever possible. He always encouraged them to be their best.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leeila; his daughter, Brett Ayn (Jon) Pinkerton, Sartell, MN and their children, Jacqueline, Grand Forks, ND and Thomas, West Fargo, ND; his son, Blake Gordon, Lakeville, MN; daughter, Daniella (Nick) Johnson, Apple Valley, MN, son, Dominic, Rosemount, MN and special friend Katy Wall-Belfield; his brother, Gordon (Doris), Georgetown, TX, his Czech "son" Rudy Kovar, Prague and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by special friends Karen and Mike LaLonde, Bismarck, ND and MaryLynn and David Brevik, Williston, ND.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and his mother and father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center for Children, Elks Camp Grassick or a charity of your choice.