October 4, 1939 – October 6, 2025
Gerald L. Baldwin, 86, of Tripoli, died Monday, October 6, 2025, at Unity Point/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Gerald Leon, son of Harold and Martha (Bean) Baldwin was born on October 4, 1939, in Nashua and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Ionia. He married Mary Oldenburger and to this union four children were born, Kimberly, Kraig, Kristine and Kevin. The couple later divorced. Jerry began his working career at Waterloo Industries, prior to Terex and Beatrice Cheese, where he retired from. In 1970, the family moved to Tripoli, where they owned and operated Tastee Creme. Jerry also owned and operated Sunset Limousine for several years. He enjoyed fishing (several trips to Balsam Lake, WI), NASCAR, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Jerry was a giving person, whether it be sharing his sweet corn and garden vegetables or handing out full-size candy bars to the kids on Halloween.
Gerald is survived by his children, Kimberly (Bradley) Bunce of Sumner, Kraig (Doreen) Baldwin of Ackley, Kristine Zehr (Mike Weno) of North Ridgeville, Ohio and Kevin Baldwin (Lisa Hruska) of Waterloo; grandchildren, Brian (Trevor) Bunce, Branigan Bunce (Anthony Smith), Brittney (Kyle) Kirchhoff, Phillip Baldwin (Katherine Hirsch), Megan Baldwin (Michael Rysavy), Ashley Zehr (Justin Neumeyer), Carter Zehr (Mitchell Hollingshead), Rowan Baldwin, Zachary (Cheyenne) Phillips, Andrew Phillips, and Gabrial Kauffman; great-grandchildren, Billy and Braydon Bunce, Adelade and Coraleigh Lang, Kayson, Kohen, and Kallen Kirchhoff, Harper Baldwin-Stokes, Ollie May and Felix Phillips, and Kiernan Phillips; and furry companion, Buddy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Harry Nicholson, Ruby Onken, Burdette Baldwin, Vera Lumm, Delia Rank, Darlene Wandro, and Stanley Baldwin; and furry companion, Molly.
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