Jay M Baldwin

Jay M Baldwin passed away on Monday, August 10th, 2026, at Knute Nelson Care Center surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home with open visiting one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date at Big Bend Lutheran Cemetery in Milan, MN. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Elder Network, Douglas County Hospice, or a humanitarian organization of your choosing.

Jay M. Baldwin was the second of seven children born to Galen and Irene (Hardwick). He was born on June 20, 1934, at home near Holloway, Minnesota. He was an all-star athlete. After graduating from Milan High School in 1951 he continued working on the family farm.

In January 1954, Jay married his high school sweetheart, Mae Molden, at Big Bend Lutheran Church. Together, they welcomed three children, Pamela, Linda, and Keith. During the next few years, Jay had a variety of jobs from farming, road construction, custom combining to welding. He was proud of his years in the Army National Guard where he became a tank commander and sharp shooter.

The family moved to Owatonna in 1965 for Jay to pursue a construction job. He was a renowned cabinet maker. The family enjoyed camping and fishing and had several vacations in the Alexandria area. Another opportunity (and a nudge from Mae) came up in 1971 and the dream to move to vacation country became reality where Jay continued his construction career. He worked as a job foreman at Watkins Construction building commercial spaces. Working nights and weekends Jay and family also built their family home “in the woods”. Jay and Keith eventually moved forward to became “Baldwin Construction” company and specialized in townhouse development.

Following the heartbreaking loss of their granddaughter, Ivy in 1987, Jay and Mae purchased a home on Lake Miltona. Family and friends enjoyed sharing lake time with bonfires, swimming, water skiing and fishing during the summer and snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter. After retiring from construction, Jay worked at ProFab, Lake Carlos State Park, Miltona Golf Course and Alexandria Golf Course. He was also on the Leaf Valley Township Board for several years.

After several years of lake life, Jay and Mae moved to a townhouse in Miltona. They quickly became a welcoming presence in the neighborhood and for more than a decade, their driveway was a favorite gathering place for neighbors and friends.

Jay and Mae enjoyed traveling, which was most often to a state Linda was living. There were also some snowmobiling trips, fishing trips and ocean side adventures and Las Vegas. Other than fishing and hunting, Jay’s interests included golfing, bowling and gardening. Always hoping for a great tomato crop. 

Their last move to Knute Nelson was a result of declining health. Jay and Mae continued their hospitality and befriended many staff and people who resided there for 4 years. Jay fed popcorn to the crows and they watched birds at the feeder, did jig saw puzzles and had fun at the activities offered. When the love of his life, Mae passed in March of 2026 he was heartbroken.

Jay is remembered for his love of family, his hard work, his gratitude and his sense of humor. He enjoyed teaching grandchildren life skills especially fishing and woodworking. He was thrilled to see his great grandchildren as well. They will remember him for wheelchair rides, candy, teasing, jokes and hugs.

Jay M Baldwin passed away on August 10, 2026. He is survived by his children, Pamela (Joel) Kamholz of Alexandria, and Keith (Kate) Baldwin of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Seth (Tammy) Sundgaard, Calcie (Letina) Sundgaard, and Dakota Baldwin; great-grandchildren, Skylar Arnold, Ivy Sundgaard, Leroy and Abel Wiggins: siblings Stanley (Phyllis), Darlene Tostenson, Dora (Floyd) Lee and Paul (Jane). Jay is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, his parents; daughter, Linda Stevens, grandchildren, Ivy Linda Marie Sundgaard and Dulcie Mae Marie Sundgaard and also brother Thomas (Jean) and sister Laura.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Knute Nelson Care Center, and Hospice of Douglas County. We also thank Elder Network for connecting Jay with Ralph who shared stories and friendship.