Donald E. Baldwin, Sr.

Donald E. Baldwin, Sr.

July 11, 1930 – October 1, 2020

Longtime owner of Baldwin Flooring.  Preceded in death by son, Mark Baldwin; grandson, Jake Dice; son-in-law, Jim Dice; and daughter-in-law, April Baldwin.  Survived by wife, Joanne; children: Don (Maureen), Dave (Janet), Teresa Schlehuber (Jim), Jim Baldwin; and Mary Susan Morse (Steve); 11grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, October 5^th from 5pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, October 6^th, 10am, St. Bernard Catholic Church (3601 N. 65^th St.)  INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #1.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Bernard Catholic Church and School.

To view a live broadcast of the Visitation, Mass and Graveside Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.

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Donald Eugene Baldwin was born on July 11, 1930 in Omaha Nebraska.  He was the fourth child of Homer and Zee Baldwin.  He had four brothers: John, Robert, Le Roy and Richard, and four sisters: Betty, Beverly, Joan and Sharon.  As a young boy, he sold newspapers downtown.   One of his favorite activities as a child was going to the movies at the Orpheum theatre, where he was an usher.  He attended Tech High School.  Don made friends with the kids that attended Cathedral High School and met a priest that became a mentor to him.  As a teenager, Don took classes and became Catholic and practiced his faith devotedly.

He served his country in the Air Force as a radar technician and as a Marine Reservist and was a veteran of the Korean War.

In 1953, he was set up on a blind date and found the love of his life, Joanne, and they were married on a beautiful, sunny day, January 2, 1954.  They were blessed with six children: Don Jr, David, Teresa, James, Mark, and Mary Susan.  Don had 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. 

Don worked in the flooring department at Montgomery Ward and then for Lard Flooring.  In 1958, with two small children at home, Don decided to open his own business, Baldwin and Hergenrader.  Don sold flooring during the day and installed it at night.  Then, in 1969, Don went out on his own and opened Baldwin Carpet.  Don and Joanne were a team and worked together building the family business.  All the children worked at the business and four of them still do today.  Dad worked tirelessly at his business until his death.  He enjoyed talking to customers, working in the warehouse and driving the forklift.

Although Don and Joanne traveled the world together, his favorite place to travel was Las Vegas.  He entered many slot tournaments.  He loved to play cards, watch game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune, and watch sporting events. 

He was a member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus.    

He was an inspiration, mentor and coach to so many.  He shared his unconditional love with everyone he encountered.  Love and kindness, hard work and faith was his legacy. He was dearly loved by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His life ended on October 1, 2020 in Omaha Nebraska. 

We love you and will miss you.