Harold Baldwin

Harold B. Baldwin, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born February 14, 1930, in Clitherall, Minnesota, the son of John and Mattie (Wise) Baldwin. He moved to Fergus Falls in 1944, graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1948. He worked at the Fergus Falls theatre as a projectionist while going to high school. Following graduation he joined the National Guard for 8 months, moving to Rock Rapids, Iowa where he worked at a theatre and JC Penney’s until receiving his draft notice. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and served for four years. He also served in the Army Reserve for three years.

On November 26, 1952, he married Yvonne Harthun in Sisseton, South Dakota. They had three daughters, Sheila, Stacy and Amy. After the Navy, he moved back to Fergus Falls, working for Tenderkrust Bakery for five years. He then worked for 38 years with Northwestern National Life Insurance Company. During his time with them he and Yvonne attended many conventions, traveling to the Bahamas, Nassau, Bermuda, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Alaska, Hawaii, Hong Kong and England.

During his retirement years he enjoyed driving the courtesy car for Minnesota Motor Company, as well as driving for the American Red Cross. He also donated blood frequently with the Red Cross.

He was a member of The Federated Church, a member of Rotary for 14 years, the VFW, and the Elks for 25 years.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Yvonne, in 2009; his parents; brothers Virgil, Selmer, Charles, Irvin, and Lawrence; and sisters Elsie, Eleanor and Edna.

Survivors include his daughters: Sheila (Dennis) Grunewald of Duluth, Stacy (Wayne) Elliott of Richville, and Amy (Blaine) Peterson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Jessica Pederson, Katherine (Chris) Nelson, Gideon Pederson, Shawn (Kate) Elliott, Ryan (Ashley) Peterson, and Sara Peterson; great-grandchildren: Noah and Bailey Nelson and Abbey Elliott; twin brother Howard (Darlene) Baldwin of Moorhead; and sister Elizabeth (Gordy) Island of LaPorte, Texas.

Memorials are preferred to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and The Federated Church.

Visitation: 9:30 – 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012, at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent
Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com