Frank John Bina

Frank Bina, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2026, at the age of 86 in St. Paul Park, Minnesota. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Born in Breckinridge, MN in January 1940 and later his family moved to Superior, WI. Spending time with his father fishing and hunting in northern WI and MN, Frank developed a deep, lifelong passion for the outdoors. A graduate of Cathedral High School, Superior, WI in June 1958, Frank went on to attend one year at Wisconsin State College, Superior, WI studying art and architecture.

After his parents relocated to St Paul, MN and his father became ill, Frank decided to move to St. Paul and not return to school. As a proud 3Mer, Frank began working at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) in March 1960.

In Jan 1962, Frank took a leave from 3M to serve his country in the United States Air Force as a mechanic in a bomber wing of the Strategic Air Command. This took him to duty stations in Lincoln, NE and Grand Forks, ND. Early in his service, his bomber wing was deployed to the southeastern part of the U.S. during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After his service, Frank returned to 3M where he worked for over 30 years. He was introduced to the love of his life, Margaret, by a coworker. In April of 1967, Frank and Margaret began their nearly 60-year marriage. They raised their three children in St. Paul and later in Cottage Grove, MN, before moving to St. Paul Park, MN.

As a loving father, Frank taught his children the value of hard work, compassion, curiosity and shared his love of science and history. He loved to laugh, watch old comedy movies with family and share his silly sense of humor. Frank and Margaret also shared their love of the outdoors with their children camping, fishing, hunting and traveling throughout the United States with their camper. They also demonstrated the importance of family, often traveling with his mother (Elizabeth) and camping with cousins.

Frank would light up seeing his grandchildren and hearing about their achievements and adventures in life. He was incredibly proud of each one of them.

Frank had a particular love for the North Shore and Arrowhead in MN and spent time annually vacationing in this part of the state. During his retirement, Frank returned to his interest in art with painting and wood carving.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; Children John, Karen, and Frank Jr; grandchildren Madeline, Julia, Haley, Jack and Jordan; great-grandchildren Kennedy and Kobe and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Elizabeth Bina and his sister Patricia Franzen.

A family interment service will take place with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 19, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Frank Bina to Parks & Trails Council of MN or Cathedral School – Superior, WI.