Founder of Verne Bintz Company passes away at 97

Verne Wesley Bintz, founder of the Verne Bintz Company, maker of high-quality orthotics and other foot care products, passed away October 29 at age 97.

Born during the Great Depression in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 1927, he grew up in the Midwest and started working to support his family at age 11. By age 14 he was managing the local movie theater in Royal Oak after school and on weekends. He later went to Western Michigan University, then served in the Navy in California and Okinawa, Japan, during World War II.

After the war ended, he met and married his wife, Sally, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the couple moved to Wheaton, Illinois, in 1965 to raise their three children. After many years building his career in the footwear industry, he founded the Verne Bintz Company, dedicated to producing high-quality arch pads, in 1976.

What began as a small family operation in the basement quickly grew into a respected company known for reliability and service. The Pedorthic Footcare Association recognized their impact by naming its annual award for excellence in partnership and service the “Verne Bintz Vendor of the Year Award” in 2014 after the company won it. The company has grown significantly, and today distributes products from more than 20 vendors.

Bintz was joined in the business by his daughter Ellen, now the company’s president.

“I am privileged to have worked with my father for over 25 years,” she wrote on the company’s website. “His wisdom, instincts and integrity have been second to none in our industry. His spirit will live strong in the Verne Bintz Company.”

Surviving are his devoted wife of 73 years, Sally, his son Dave Bintz (Margaret); his daughters Kathy Bintz (David Garratt) and Ellen Bintz Vivoda (Mike); 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

In memoriam

For details about his memorial service, visit the company’s website.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Gary United Methodist Church, where he was a lifelong member and served in multiple leadership roles, including Head Usher, Head of the Sunday School Program and Director of the Pastor-Parish Committee.