Gene Glenn Baldwin

Gene Glenn Baldwin was born on January 25, 1939 in Stanton, Nebraska to Glenn and Wanda (Brown) Baldwin. He grew up in Stanton where he attended grade school and graduated from Stanton High School in 1957. Gene went on to play football at Nebraska Weselyan where he received his degree in Education in 1961. As a young boy, Gene was active in all sports especially football, basketball and track. He enjoyed school, swimming and made many lifelong friendships. Gene was active in the Methodist Church and had the pleasure of a family vacation to the west coast. Many of Gene’s relatives lived nearby and he grew up with a close relationship with his grandparents and enjoyed many large family reunions. Gene started his teaching career in Broadwater, NE. After a couple of years in Broadwater, Gene accepted a teaching position in Wolbach, NE and also became the head football coach. It was in Wolbach where Gene met Joyce Wagner. Gene and Joyce were married on April 9, 1966 at the Lutheran Church in Wolbach. Gene’s football teams won 2 state championships in Wolbach. On September 10, 1967, Gene and Joyce were blessed with the birth of their first child, Angie. From Wolbach, Gene’s teaching and coaching career took him to O’Neill, NE. On October 31, 1973, Gene and Joyce were blessed with the birth of their second child, Cory. After a few years in O’Neill and a short stay in Millard, NE, Gene and Joyce and family moved to Bennington, NE in 1977 where they have remained. Gene taught for 26 years at Bennington. He initially started teaching health, social studies and world history, but eventually Gene transitioned to physical education when he became Athletic Director at Bennington High School. During his time at Bennington, Gene coached junior high boys football, girls basketball and girls track. Upon his retirement from teaching in 2005, Gene continued to substitute teach at Bennington as often as they would call him up until his health issues prevented him from doing so. Gene loved teaching and coaching, but the real joy Gene found each day was the students at Bennington. Gene has enjoyed a 39 year teaching career, coaching and serving as the athletic director. He enjoyed all sports but was an avid Husker and Yankee fan. Often Gene would plan his travel around a nearby sporting event. His hobbies included sports, sports, and more sports. Gene was a big-hearted, selfless man who loved his family and treasured the times when they could gather together. Gene enjoyed nothing more than attending his grandchildren’s school and sports activities. He was a loyal, loving and devoted man with an optimistic view of life highlighted by his familiar quote “No matter what happens the sun will rise again in the East tomorrow”. Gene passed away on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Life Care Center of Elkhorn. He was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Wanda and an infant son Lance Glenn. Gene is survived by wife of 45 years Joyce; Daughter Angie and Son-in-law Kevin Svec of Gretna . Son Cory and Daughter-in-law Angela of Omaha ; Sister Janet Smith of Yardley , PA ; grandchildren Grant and Cassidy Svec, Samuel, Haley and Avery Baldwin.

Gene Glenn Baldwin

January 25, 1939 - April 29, 2011