Mae Marie Baldwin

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at the Knute Nelson Chapel with visiting one hour prior to the service and lunch to follow. Burial will be at a later date at Big Bend Lutheran Cemetery in Milan, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Mae Marie (Molden) Baldwin, born on May 11, 1935, in Danvers, Minnesota. She was a cherished daughter of Arthur and Beulah (Jacobs) Molden and grew up on the family century farm near Big Bend, Minnesota with her brothers Ronald and Dennis. She attended country school before moving on to Appleton High School. After graduating in 1952, she moved to Montevideo to begin her professional journey with an office job.

In January 1954, Mae married her high school sweetheart, Jay Baldwin, at Big Bend Lutheran Church. Together, they welcomed three children into their lives: Pamela, Linda, and Keith. The family loved life on the farm, near extended family. Mae was a great seamstress and sewed her kids' clothes, made and sold doll clothes, and did some custom sewing.

In 1965 they moved to Owatonna for Jay to take a construction job. Mae took on a role as an office employee at Jostens. She missed her friends and family “back home” but always made a house a home. She boldly made the unconventional choice to paint their home black, a unique touch to her new neighborhood.

In 1971, the couple relocated to Alexandria, where Jay continued construction and eventually built a home that would become the family's sanctuary for many years. Lake life became central to the family; fishing, ice fishing, boating, skiing and swimming. Mae hosted many fish fries for friends and family and there was usually a bonfire to circle round.

She accepted a position at Knute Nelson as administrative assistant and eventually Mae served as the office manager at Knute Nelson for an impressive 35 years, leaving a lasting impression on those who crossed her path. She was detail oriented and often brought work home to keep records up to date. She was a mentor, bought food for employees in need and lent personal cash to those in dire situations.

The family faced a tragic loss in 1987 with the passing of their granddaughter, Ivy. A heart-wrenching event that eventually led them to purchase a home on Lake Miltona. This residence became a place of joy, where Jay and Mae treasured time entertaining family and friends on the lake shore where there was plenty of food, swimming, fishing and laughter.

Their adventures included trips to Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, local casinos and also racquetball lessons, bowling leagues and snowmobile trips. They always planted a garden hoping to grow the perfect tomato. Mae enjoyed flower gardening also.

After years at the lake, they transitioned to a townhouse in Miltona, where they became known as the heart of their neighborhood. Their driveway was a welcoming gathering place for neighbors and friends alike for over a decade. They were happy to have their daughter Linda move to town after years of living in Alaska and Washington.

Mae's grandchildren fondly remember overnights where they were always indulged and adored. Cooking was her love language, famously crafting holiday meals, that could serve three times the number of guests. Mae was also an avid baker and bird watcher. She was fascinated with pheasants as a reminder of early life on the farm. Her generous heart was evident through her acts of kindness. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Her ability to remember personal details about everyone she encountered highlighted her unique approach to relationships, often sending thoughtful cards to celebrate special occasions.

Mae Marie Baldwin passed away on March 4, 2026, at the Knute Nelson Care Center, surrounded by her family. She will be remembered for her kind and caring spirit, the unconditional love she had for her family, and the profound impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Mae is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Jay Baldwin; 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. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Linda Stevens, grandchildren, Ivy Linda Marie Sundgaard and Dulcie Mae Marie Sundgaard.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Knute Nelson Care Center, Hospice of Douglas County, and to the Elder Network for their compassionate care and invaluable support during this time.