Background
Binsfeld, Connie Berube was born on April 18, 1924 in Munising, Michigan, United States. Daughter of Omer J. and Elsie (Constance) Berube.
Binsfeld, Connie Berube was born on April 18, 1924 in Munising, Michigan, United States. Daughter of Omer J. and Elsie (Constance) Berube.
Bachelor of Science, Siena Heights College, 1945. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Siena Heights College, 1977. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Northern Michigan University, 1998.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Michigan State University, 1998. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Thomas Cooley School of Law, 1999. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Saginaw Valley State University, 2000.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Lake Superior State University, 2000. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), University Notre Dame, 2000. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Grand Valley State University, 2000.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Grand Valley State University.
She served as the 60th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. She was the first woman to hold leadership posts in Michigan"s House, Senate and executive branch, where she served four terms in the House, two in the Senate, and two as Lieutenant Governor. After graduating from high school, Berube went to Siena Heights College.
She later taught high school history and politics.
Binsfeld became involved in local politics in Leelanau County, Michigan, where she and her family moved to Glen Lake from Detroit in 1968. She headed a citizens" council to participate in planning for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore.
She served 10 years on the Great Lakes Commission. Recognized for her speaking and leadership, Binsfeld was first elected to political office as county commissioner for Leelanau County, Michigan.
In 1974, she was elected to the first of four successive terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.
She would later serve two terms in the Michigan Senate. She continued her interest in the environment. At the time of her death, Government.
Rick Snyder noted the importance of her sponsoring the Sand Dunes Protection Acting and introducing the 1983 Quality of Life Bonding Bill for cleanup of areas.
In 1990, Binsfeld was selected to be the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate John Engler. She took office as the state"s 58th lieutenant governor in 1991 and served through 1999.
As lieutenant governor, she headed the Binsfeld Children"s Commission. The state legislature passed 20 laws drafted by Binsfeld and her staff to make policy to implement these recommendations.
Binsfeld died at age 89 in Glen Lake, Michigan on January 12, 2014 in hospice.
1977, named Michigan Mother of the Year.
Member Michigan House of Representatives, 1974-1982, assistant representative leader, 1979-1981. Member of advisory board National Park System. Named Michigan Mother of Year, Michigan Mothers Committee, 1977.
Member National Council State Legislators, League of Women Voters, Siena Heights College Alumnae Association.
Married John East. Binsfeld, July 19, 1947. Children: John T., Gregory, Susan, Paul, Michael.