Agnes Bina
Just as she dedicated her life to devotion for God and family, Agnes Jeanne Mastek Bina entered her eternal rest surrounded by the love of her children on May 14.
Born to Vincent and Maria (Floch) Mastek on July 18, 1919, in Brest, France, she traveled as an infant to her father’s homestead in Tampa, where she became the oldest of eight children.
Agnes wed Ernest W. Bina on Oct. 13, 1941, and the pair celebrated 48 years together before his death in 1990. Always delighted in the company of children and babies, she would welcome 12 children into the world. A wondrous example of the constant strength and dedication that defines all a mom can be, she was a Kansas Mother of the Year nominee and held the title every day in the hearts of her family and friends.
A fixture at the Pilsen ballfield, often operating the concession stand with her kids, she also organized American Red Cross swimming lessons and proudly served the Jolly Workers Extension Homemakers Unit and St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary.
Her commitment to community was further fueled as a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, now part of Holy Family Parish. She participated in the National Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Youth Organization, and Saint Ann’s Altar Society in addition to serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and lector.
She found joy in gardening and cooking. A holiday or celebration never passed without a kitchen full of wonderful smells and bellies stuffed with kolaches and peanut rolls.
Empowered with great humility, she was never one to boast or complain. Even in her final moments, she took the time to share valuable messages with us all: Love and take care of one another; remember that perfection is not the goal, but you must continue to try; and always seek peace.
Agnes was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Lester and Marion; sisters Margaret, Sanine, Marcelle, Madeline, and Francis; brothers Albert and Joseph; and three grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Laverne and wife Harriet, Martin and wife Sandy, and Dean and wife Pat, all of Marion; Mary Agnes Roniger and husband John of Burdick; Jane Johnson and husband Gene of Augusta; Raymond and wife Denice of Marion; Connie Poppe and husband Wayne of Oklahoma City; Rose Bina and companion Greg Trapp of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Alan and wife Susan of Bangor, Pa.; and Julie Kerbs and husband Russell of Tampa; in addition to 34 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild as well as a loving host of nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Her life was celebrated at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church-Holy Family Parish, Pilsen, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Monday and services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, followed by interment at Pilsen Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be sent to Zeiner Funeral Home on behalf of St. Luke Living Center in Marion, as the family wishes to thank the staff for its compassion and support in her final years and last days. Additionally, donations will also benefit the Father Kapaun Memorial in Pilsen.