Danny Joe Baldwin, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 16, 2025, passing at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
He was born on August 29, 1951 to George “Dick” and Edith (Roach) Baldwin in rural Hillsboro, near Valley. Dan was the 3rd of nine children and was the only one born at home.
Dan was a member of the (Valley) Burr Wesleyan Church. He was a member of the 1969 graduating class of Hillsboro High School.
In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and became a Jet Engine Mechanic.
He was united in marriage to Charlotte Caldwell in February of 1971. To this union came two boys, Lyle Dean and George Anthony. They later divorced in 1975.
In January of 1976, he met the love of his life, Donna Mickelson, they married on July 23, 1977. To this union came two girls, Jessica Lillian and Sarah Edith.
Dan was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1974 as a Staff Sergeant E5, but he still had 2 years in active duty left, so officially discharged in 1976.
He attended WWTC in La Crosse in 1974-75 to become a welder. He worked with the Iron Workers and Electricians in Lansing, Iowa for two years. With life’s circumstances he left this job to be with his boys. After Dan and Donna were married, he attended WWTC to become an Auto Mechanic. He worked at the Texaco Gas Station while attending school. He graduated 2nd in his class. Dan established DJ’s Welding in 1982.
Dan was an avid Deer Hunter – his youngest daughter made the last 25 years the best, just because she took to the sport also.
Dan worked numerous jobs over the years, Richland Building Systems, Gardner’s Bakery as a delivery man, managed the Kwik Trip in Hillsboro in 1984 and farmed with his brother, Billy. But when he was hired by Vernon County Highway Department – he was “home.” He enjoyed this job and the men and women he worked alongside.
He retired in 2016, after 25 years with Vernon County. Then he could be found out mowing lawns or shoveling snow. He became the “cleaning man” at the Cut-N-Curl, where Donna worked.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edith; brother, Billy Baldwin; grandson, Austin and brother-in-law, Mike Fiske.
Survived by his wife of 47 years and 9 months, Donna; children, Lyle (Polly), George (Amanda), Jessica (Kreg) Holgerson and Sarah (Chris) Benish; special nephew, Fred (Ashley); special niece, Elizabeth (Jake); grandchildren, As’ka, Anthony, Halle (Matt), Matthew (Abby), Calvin, Rhys, Elora (Jacob), Megan, Olivia, Koal, Tatyn, Dawson, Kysen, Raydyn, Vahleeyah, Addalyn, Jade, Shane, Lexi and Kaylee; siblings, Ilene (Myron) Ledvina, Sharon (Butch) Hauge, Jerry Baldwin, Peter Baldwin, Katherin (Gordon) Roesler, Molly (Tim) Pettit and Christy (Dennis) Larsen; sister-in-law, Esther Baldwin; many nieces and nephews and Goddaughter, Allison Ambrose.
Dan loved his wife, children and their spouses very much, but the grandchildren were the lights of his heart. Always remember the fishing dates!
One thing about Life - - ITS NOT LONG!
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the Burr Wesleyan Church, with Rev. Jason Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will be in the Forest – Burr Cemetery. A time of visitation will be at the Church on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
