Randall Baldwin

Randall A. Baldwin knew what was important in life – that there is nothing more valuable, more lasting or more rewarding than giving all you can possibly give of yourself to your children, your family and your friends. Randall will be remembered for his love of others, especially for his two beautiful children and three precious grandchildren, and will live on forever in their hearts.

The first years of the 1940s marked a tumultuous decade for America, as well as for the rest of the world. In Europe, an escalation of turmoil was beginning to take shape between Allied and Alliance forces and America would soon be drawn into this conflict by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was into this muddled world that Randall A. Baldwin was born on December 4, 1940, in Holland, Michigan, the youngest of three boys born to John and Sophia (Kroll) Baldwin. Randy attended Holland High School and was active in school playing basketball and running track before graduating in 1959. Soon after graduating, Randy enlisted with the U.S. Army serving his country during the Vietnam Era. He was stationed in Hawaii with the 3177 21st artillery division. After finishing up his military duty in Riley, Kansas, Randy was discharged in 1961.

After coming home from his tour of duty, Randy pursued a pretty young lady named Patsy Jo Polinskey. The two had grown up together, attended the same church and even lived in the same neighborhood just down the street from each other. The young couple started to date when she was 18 and he was 21. After five years of a beautiful courtship, Randy and Patsy Jo were married on March 12, 1965, at the Calvary Reformed Church in Holland. The newlyweds honeymooned in Tennessee, then returned to establish their home in Holland. He and Patsy Jo had two wonderful children, Craig and Kelly, who brought great joy and happiness to the Baldwin household. Randy went to work for Dr. Pepper/7 Up Bottling Company and retired in 2003, after 32 years of dedicated service.

Randy was a devoted family man. He taught his children about the importance of responsibility and working hard, but also the commitment as a faithful Christian. Randy took the family on a variety of vacations, visiting Florida, Gulf Shores, Alabama, Fort Meyers, Myrtle Beach and Texas. It was no secret that Randy was an excellent father. Both of his kids received tons of special attention and plenty of encouragement in their childhood. Randy took great interest in his son’s football games, cheering from the sidelines at his games and was always encouraging his daughter’s cheerleading activities. No matter what they did, Randy was always supportive of his children.

When he wasn’t working or spending time with his family, Randy tried to get outdoors as much as possible participating in his favorite pastime – golfing. He even took a security job at the Wuskowhan Player Club because he loved golf so much and perhaps hoping to get in a few holes before quitting time. After retiring, Randy and Patsy Jo set out for eight weeks traveling to New Mexico and visited the Hover Dam before stopping off for a month in Fountain Hill, Arizona. Any place with warm weather and sandy beaches was Randy’s idea of a perfect vacation spot. All this traveling put over 8,000 miles on their car, but they enjoyed every mile of their trip.

Randy had many interests to keep him busy. He was a member of the Beechwood Reformed Church. He liked to dive into a good book or play around with his special dog, Gidget. He enjoyed fishing and was a part of a bowling league for twelve years along with Curt and his father, John. He was also a big fan of MSU basketball and football, but also liked an occasional U of M game as well. In later years, Randy became a grandfather, and what a loving grandfather he was. Being retired, he had plenty of time to devote to his three precious grandchildren. Patsy Jo often considered Randy her rock because he was so even tempered and never let anything get him excited. Sometimes he used his great sense of humor to make light of the situation. This made for 39 wonderful years together.

Randall A. Baldwin died on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at the Hospice House of Holland. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sophia (Kroll) Baldwin. Surviving is his wife; Patsy Jo of 39 years; his children: Craig Baldwin of Holland, MI and Kelly (Jeff) Diekema of Hamilton, MI; 3 grandchildren: Courtney Jo, Jadyn Leigh and Rylin Nicole Diekema of Hamilton, MI; 2 brothers: Curtis (Janice) Baldwin of Holland, MI, and Jack (Bonnie) Baldwin of Tyler, TX; in-laws: Sandra and Chuck Olthof of Grand Haven, MI, Marilyn Polinskey of Holland, MI and Marion Polinskey of Spring Lake, MI; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, at the Beechwood Reformed Church with the Rev's. James Lankheet and Marvin Beukelman officiating. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday, February 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church. Arrangements are by the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes. Please visit Randy’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution to Beechwood Reformed Church Building Fund.

Randall was a man committed to his faith and his family. His deeds and actions were an inspiration to those that knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.