Thomas Baldwin, 91, Owatonna

Thomas G. “Tom” Baldwin, 91, of Owatonna, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Owatonna Hospital.

Tom was the first-born son of Galen and Irene (Hardwick) Baldwin. He graduated from Milan High School in 1951 and was drafted into the Korean War, where he served as a Tank Commander.

On June 28, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Ellefson. In 1959, they moved to Owatonna where Tom took a job with the Owatonna Canning Company. He retired in 1995.

Tom and Jean loved to travel and spent many winters in Florida. Fishing was a favorite pastime and they spent many happy days fishing walleyes on Lake Winnie. Dad enjoyed many years of hunting with his sons and family, as well as golfing with Howard.

He is survived by daughter, Kimberly (Roger) Wencl of Owatonna, Michael (Barbara) Baldwin of Prior Lake, Susan Baldwin of Redwood Falls, and Randall (Nancy) Baldwin of Shakopee. His grandchildren were the light of his life- Anna Wencl of Mankato, Madalyn (Nick) Wegleitner of Plymouth, and Thomas (Jenn) Baldwin of Minnetonka. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Emmett and Annie Wegleitner. He is also survived by his siblings, Jay (Mae) of Alexandria, Dora (Floyd) Lee of Dawson, Darlene Tostenson of Montevideo, Stanley (Phyllis) of Montevideo, and Paul (Jane) of Madison; special nieces Dawn (David) Sletten, of Milan and Elizabeth (Dale) Larson of Chanhassen.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean; son, Timothy; granddaughter, Elizabeth; and sister, Laura.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 11a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with a visitation starting at 9 a.m. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. The Steele County Military Funeral Unit will be providing military honors.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Michaelson Funeral Homes, Inc. of Owatonna is handling the funeral arrangements