TOMAH - Meredith L. Baldwin, 76 of Tomah passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at The Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison. He was born on May 7, 1947, to Samuel A. and Agnes C. (Cox) Baldwin at home in Valley Junction. Meredith was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1965. In 1966, Meredith enlisted into the United State Army, proudly serving his country 2 tours of duty during the Vietnam War. Meredith learned to cook from a young age. Gathering for a meal was a big part of the Baldwin family gatherings. While in the military, Meredith extended the loved that was shared around his family table to those fellow servicemen who quickly became family to him. He was able to put the cooking skills his mother had taught him to good use. Becoming the platoons favorite cook, Meredith was always coming up with new and creative ways to serve his fellow servicemen with something tasty to eat. Even catching the attention of a Colonel, who made sure Meredith was returned under his command with his second tour of duty due to his expert cooking skills. For Meredith, serving folks a meal meant more than just filling their bellies. It was his way of showing those he cared for his love. Roasting pigs became a specialty of Meredith’s, many family reunions and weddings were often blessed with a delicious meal. Meredith shared a kindship with the Amish community as well. Spending every Wednesday and Saturday with visits to a variety of families, he enjoyed being treated with their hospitality. Upon discharge from the military, Meredith was employed by the Tomah VA for over 22 years, first working in the kitchen as a cook and later in housekeeping. Later in life, he worked for Ocean Spray and Goodwill. Meredith was an avid outdoors man, enjoying fishing and hunting. Even in the last few months with his health failing, he was bound and determined to get out there for one more hunting season. Throughout the years, he developed a special friendship with the fish and game department at Fort McCoy, making sure to show up with cheese and crackers, sausage, and Amish candies to share with the staff. Although Meredith didn’t have any children of his own, he dearly loved children. The first Christmas after being discharged from the military up until a few years ago starting on December 1st through the end of December, Meredith was the best Santa there ever was. He was ready for anyone that would ask for a Santa to show up for their kids. Many years his house would be filled with little toys for children that were less fortunate. Meredith wanted to make sure every little boy or girl felt special and loved at Christmas time. He would also go above and beyond for anyone in need. There wasn’t much that Meredith wouldn’t do for folks. He had a heart of gold and generosity like no other. He is survived by his siblings, Spencer (Bonnie) Baldwin, Helen Schaller, Linda (Mike Sherwood) Griffin, and Nancy (Sheldeen) Springer, all of Tomah. He further survived by countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Agnes, 5 brothers, Asa Baldwin, Leonard Cox, Charles Baldwin and infant brothers, John Thomas and Joseph, 2 brothers-in-law, Bob Griffin and Hilary Schaller, sisters-in-law, Marge Cox and Judy Baldwin, 4 nephews, and a great niece.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, 11:00 AM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Burial will be in Wood Cemetery with military honors by the Grassman-Sowle-Larsen-Senz American Legion Post #201.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 7:30 PM and on Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
