Randolph C. "Randy" Baldwin

Randolph "Randy" C. Baldwin, 72, a cherished member of the Kewanna, and Peru Indiana, communities, died on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at his home in Kewanna.
Randy entered this world on January 21, 1952, in Peru, Indiana, born to Robert and Helen (Rife) Baldwin. Proud of his Miami County roots, Randy always joked about spending his entire life there, only to retire one county away in Fulton County. He graduated from North Miami High School in 1970 and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 1974. During his time at Ball State, he became a member of the highly esteemed Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. His passion for education led him to further his studies, culminating in the attainment of both a Master's Degree and EdS in School Administration from Ball State University.
Randy married Gwendolyn (Wendy) Dwenger on June 12, 1982, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, in Columbus, Indiana. They would have celebrated 42 years of marriage next month.
Randy wore a lot of hats-both literally and figuratively. He worked his entire professional life at Maconaquah School Corporation, serving from 1974 until his retirement in 2016. During his tenure he served as a teacher at Bunker Hill, Randall, and Maconaquah Elementaries, an assistant principal at both Maconaquah Middle School and High School, a central office administrator, and his longest-held post as the principal at Maconaquah Elementary School. Randy enjoyed forming, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with all involved in the schools, from the students and staff to the parents and community members.
Beyond that, Randy was a man of many diverse interests. He was a devoted sports fan and enjoyed watching most any competition, but especially those involving the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Bears. His love of school and community extended into his fandom and you would often find him at a local football stadium or gymnasium in the evenings cheering on the Maconaquah Braves, North Miami Warriors, or any number of local teams where he had an interest. He enjoyed golfing and often played multiple times a week and also tried his hand at competitive sailing in his younger years.
A gifted actor and singer, Randy enjoyed performing on stage and was a long-time member of the Ole Olsen Memorial Theater in Peru. He also was a core member of the church choir at his current parish, St. Mary of the Lake, in Culver, Indiana.
However, his favorite pastime was to be a husband, dad, and "Pepaw" and enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids. He was the best storyteller, game player, grillmaster, and prankster and his grandkids loved his sense of humor. He never hesitated to attend their events or field trips and often was the life of the party. He was simply the best and would willingly give of himself to anyone at any time and for any need-whether they were family or a passing acquaintance. His warmth and generosity knew no limit or stranger.
Randy will forever be remembered with love and reverence, especially by his devoted family-his loving wife, Wendy; three children, Tommy (Kylie) Baldwin, of Columbia City, Molly (Josh) Frankum, of Carmel, Andy (Kelsey) Baldwin, of Peru; five grandchildren, Kenna, Teagen, Konnor, Tinley, and Korbin Baldwin; He is also survived by his brother, Greg (Patricia) Baldwin of Winterville, NC, his sister, Bianca Furst of Anderson, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and lifelong friends.
Preceded in death by both of his parents, his mother and father in law, Ralph and Mary Lou Dwenger, one brother-in-law, David Furst, and one sister-in-law, Pam Dwenger, Randy's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know him.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church (58 W. 5th Street, Peru, IN) on Monday, May 20, at 11:00am, followed by burial at Ever Rest Memorial Park in Logansport, Indiana. Additionally, a celebration of Randy's life will take place on Sunday, May 19, from 3:00-7:00pm at Maconaquah Elementary School, 7784 S. Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill, IN, 46914.
Arrangements have been thoughtfully entrusted to the Flowers-Leedy-Allen Funeral Home, 105 W 3rd St, Peru, Indiana, 46970.
In honor of Randy's enduring spirit, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to two programs that held special meaning to him:
The Maconaquah High School Athletic Boosters, with any donations mailed to the school at 256 E. 800 S. Bunker Hill, Indiana, 46914.
The Ole Olsen Theater with donations mailed to 154 S. Broadway (Attn: Treasurer) Peru, IN, 46970.
Memories and condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website or on Randy's personal Facebook page, which his family will maintain in his memory.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Randolph "Randy" C. Baldwin, please visit our floral store.