Binger, Virginia E. McKnight, 1916-2002.

Virginia (Ginnie) Edith McKnight Binger was born in St. Paul on September 6, 1916, the only child of Maude L. ( nee Gage) and William L. McKnight. William L. McKnight was president and chief executive officer of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M). Virginia attended Summit School in St. Paul, and later Briarcliff College in New York. In 1939 she married St. Paul native James (Jim) Henry Binger, who later served as chairman and CEO of Honeywell. She and Jim Binger had three children together: James (Mac) McKnight Binger, Judith (Judy) McKnight Binger (Billing), and Cynthia (Cynnie) McKnight Binger (Boynton). Jim and Virginia were well-known philanthropists, horse enthusiasts, and arts supporters.

Virginia’s parents established the McKnight Foundation in 1953 as a private philanthropic organization. Virginia served as president of the Foundation from 1974-1987. During her presidency the organization gave away some $235 million, and its assets grew from less than $8 million to almost $800 million.

Virginia died in Wayzata, Minnesota December 22, 2002. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judith Binger Billing, in 1987. James Henry Binger died in Minneapolis in November 2004.

From the guide to the Virginia E McKnight Binger and family papers., 1920-2004., (Minnesota Historical Society)