Lawrence Gale Baldwin

Larry Baldwin, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025 with family by his side. Larry was born on April 6, 1936, in Farmington, IA and moved to Sanborn in Northwest Iowa with his family at the age of 9. Following high school, he attended the University of Iowa where he studied Dentistry (ON IOWA! GO HAWKS!) and married his high school sweetheart, Coleen Ganzevoort. After his service in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, he launched his dental practice in Sanborn, later moving the clinic to Sheldon, IA where he tried to make patients laugh until the day he retired.

Larry was one of the kindest men you'd ever meet. He had a smile that could light up your core and was a man of great faith and integrity. He was a gentle soul full of grace and goodness. Although a quiet man - he would tell jokes, make up songs to sing, or whistle during an entire dental visit. Later in life, he would do the same but dressed up as a clown for town events while carrying a giant toothbrush and a rubber chicken in his pocket. Larry was also very active and involved in his church and the Stephen Ministry program, as well as Village Northwest Unlimited, leaving an imprint on the hearts of many. His desire to serve others will be a legacy that echoes through the years.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Lori Baldwin; his son, Ryan Baldwin and daughter-in-law, Harper Baldwin; his brother, Terry Baldwin; grandchildren, Turner Baldwin, Jasmine (Zebullen) Krout, Alyson (Connor) McMahon, and Trinity (Austin) Northey; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Ruth; his wife, Coleen; and his daughter, Rhonda.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life Weekend in Sheldon at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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