MADISON / COTTAGE GROVE - Wilma Kay Bingham passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 84 years old with her beloved husband, Edward “Jim” by her side.

Wilma was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on November 4, 1941, to Florence and Stanley Giltz. She spent her early years in Indiana and Illinois before moving to Mesa, Ariz., with her family. It was there that she met the love of her life, Edward J. Bingham. They were married on December 14, 1957, and later moved to Madison, Wis. Together they raised their family and called Madison their home for many years.

Wilma was a woman of many talents with a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to caring for others. In her early years, she worked as a caregiver and took in ironing before beginning her career with the Madison Metropolitan School District. She started in the lunchroom before becoming an educational assistant, a role she cherished as she worked with hundreds of children throughout her career. Wilma spent most of her career at Lakeview Elementary School and remembered her time there fondly. She retired in 2001.

Wilma and Jim loved their cabin in the northwoods, and after retirement, made Mercer, Wis., their permanent home. Wilma loved welcoming family and friends to their northwoods paradise, and could often be found baking, cooking and mixing drinks for those gathered around her table. Wilma was also deeply involved in her community, volunteering at the Mercer Library and participating in Strong Women, where she encouraged and supported others in their wellness journeys. She treasured the friendships and connections she made throughout the community.

Wilma is survived by her husband of 68 years, Edward “Jim” Bingham; son, Jim (Beth) Bingham; daughter, Becky (Bob) Priem; sisters, Lynn Bandel, Barbara Clark (Jerry) and Shirley Woodrum; four grandchildren, Beau (Jessica) Bingham, Amiee (Greg) DeMets, Courtney (Brian) Stickney and Kristin (Jeff) Kluge; and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Craig; stepfather, Lloyd Craig; father, Stanley Giltz; stepmother, Inez Giltz; and sisters, Phyllis Giltz and Norma Edmons.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jenna and Brenda from Agrace, and Tabitha and Vonnie from Synergy, for the compassionate care and support they provided during this time.

A celebration of Wilma’s life will be held at TAYLOR RIDGE APARTMENTS, 510 Westlawn Drive, Cottage Grove, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or the Mercer Public Library.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Wilma Kay Bingham

November 04, 1941 - July 15, 2026

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