Merlin “Sonny” Baldwin, 72, of Hillsboro, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wis. He was born Feb. 8, 1951, to Bernard “Tom” and MaryLou (Thomas) Baldwin. He attended Dorset Valley Schoolhouse in Wilton, Wis., and graduated from Royall High School.
Sonny worked at various jobs throughout his lifetime, including Tillman’s Produce, Arcadia Fryers, Toro Co. and Otto Jacobs of Genoa City, Wis., and Pine Valley Meats of Norwalk. Merlin served a short stint in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the DMZ in South Korea.
He was a true outdoorsman and an avid hunter and fisherman. He taught his secrets to his son, Jason, and a close nephew, Brandon. The squirrels were safer when Merlin could no longer see or walk the woods.
He loved going to hear live music and would dance when he was able. In 2012, Merlin become very close to his dear friend, Shirley Daniels. She became a godsend for Sonny; she welcomed him into her home, and cared for him when diabetes took a terrible toll on his body. The family is forever in her debt.
Merlin is survived by his son, Jason Baldwin of Tomah, Wis.; his grandchildren, Christian, Cody and Charity; Shirley Daniels and her children, Bobbie Jo and Stacie and their families; his siblings, Art (Peggy) of Ontario, Joe (Faye) of Tomah, Mike (Sharon) of Wilton, Luanne (Bob) Wruck of Norwalk, and Leroy (Stephanie) of Ontario; a sister-in-law, Sandy Baldwin of Norwalk; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and MaryLou, and his brothers, Jeff and Andy.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Grace Haven Church, 114 Church St., Ontario, Wis. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in Billings Creek Cemetery, Ontario, Wis. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Grace Haven Church. Visitation also will be held Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
