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Obituary: Alma Jean (Wellnitz) Baldwin

Alma Jean (Wellnitz) Baldwin
Alma Jean (Wellnitz) Baldwin
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May 26, 1929 – December 21, 2024

Alma Jean (Wellnitz) Baldwin, 95, of Mitchell, NE passed on to her eternal heavenly home on Saturday December 21, 2024. Alma was born on May 26, 1929 in Rushville, NE, the first born of Herbert Bernard Wellnitz and Caroline Augusta Magdalene (Jungck) Wellnitz. She grew up on the family farm south of Rushville with brothers Willard, Warren and Jim. Her upbringing was very centered on faith, family and living with purpose.
Alma Jean participated in Normal school training through high school and graduated in 1946. Her first teaching job was at a Sheridan County country school with no indoor plumbing or electricity at a salary of $150 per month teaching 5 students in 5 different grades. She later attended Midland College from 1948-1949 to continue her teacher education. In 1952, her interests turned toward Occupational Therapy, so she started studies at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. During the years at Colorado State University, Alma met Bill Baldwin, and they were married in September of 1955. Completing her teacher’s program was more realistic, so Alma started the education program at Colorado State College of Education (Univ of Northern Colorado) and graduated in Spring of 1955. She taught in Larimer County Schools for one year.
When Bill was deployed to Japan with the Air Force, Alma joined him. Their daughter, Kathy, was born in Japan in 1957. After their return to the states and moving to Loveland, Co, daughter Caroline was born in 1958, and son, Bill, in 1959. The family grew again with the birth of Janet in 1965. Within 18 months, Janet was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. Alma balanced her career with caring for Janet which involved frequent trips to Denver for medical appointments. Janet passed away in January of 1970.
The family moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1962, and Alma began her 26 year teaching career at Soda Creek Elementary School. She made a point of knowing each and every student and seeing their potential. Over the years, it was her joy to teach a second generation of students from local families. She retired in 1988.
Alma had a knack for looking at life as an opportunity whether it was trying a new recipe, learning a new skill, or utilizing some craft supplies. She was a pro at repurposing items before it was even a trendy thing. She revived old blankets with a layer of new fabric and pieced together quilts from deconstructed outdated clothing. Her free time was filled with crocheting afghans, embroidering dish towels, tole painting, and many other creative crafts that she often gifted. Alma was a fantastic planner and made sure every need was covered for any occasion, activity, project or presentation. She wasn’t afraid to try new things and was an eager learner-even into her late 80’s by learning various computer applications plus texting on her cell phone.
Alma’s true service to the communities she lived in wasn’t entirely realized until she retired. During those years, she participated in Concordia Lutheran Church Lutheran Women’s Mission League (LWML), Altar Guild, and senior citizen Bible studies. She was also active in Beta Sigma Phi throughout the time in Steamboat Springs.
After their move to Mitchell, NE in 1995, Alma was active with Faith Lutheran Church’s LWML, Willing Workers Extension Club, Home Arts Superintendent at the Scottsbluff County Fair, and was always available to family and friends to lend a helping hand. She is remembered for her ability to truly listen to people with interest, concern, or compassion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Herb and Caroline Wellnitz, in-laws; William and Emily Baldwin; husband William Baldwin; daughter Janet Marie; brothers Williard Wellnitz and Jim Wellnitz; brother and sister in law Harold and Carol Baldwin; and sister-in-law Berneice Wellnitz.
Alma is survived by daughters Kathy (Albert) Deepe of Hayden, CO, Caroline (John) Sabin of North Platte, NE; son, William (Queeda) Baldwin of Mitchell, NE. Grandchildren Nathan (Jessica) Deepe of Frederick, CO; Andrea Deepe of Loveland, CO, Janel (Matthew) Russell of Okatie, SC, Luke Sabin of Omaha, Jared Sabin of Omaha, Kyra (Chris) Jorgenson, Tevyn (Zach) Pieper, Clay Baldwin, and Ryal Baldwin all of Mitchell, NE; 8 great grandchildren and Brother Warren Wellnitz of San Diego, CA
Services will be held on January 4, 2025, 10:30 am MST at Faith Lutheran Church, 2055 U Street, Gering, NE. Bridgman Funeral Home of Scottsbluff is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to Faith Lutheran Church Preschool PO Box 307 Gering NE 69341, or Scottsbluff County Homemakers Council PO Box 126 Mitchell NE 69357
A service with interment will be held during June in Steamboat Springs, CO.


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