Harold W. Baedke

Harold Walter Alfred Baedke was born September 4, 1928, the son of August Paul and Anna Baedke. He died at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the age of 86.
Harold was born in Terrill, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm, graduating from Ruthven Community High School. After completing high school, he continued farming in northwest Iowa. On June 9, 1951, Harold was united in marriage to Darlene Wolff of Cushing, Oklahoma. The couple was blessed with three daughters. In 1960 Harold took a position as a Federal Meat Inspector, and the family moved to Waterloo, Iowa while he trained for 6 months. They then moved to Denison, where they lived until 1980, when they moved to Fort Dodge. They remained in Fort Dodge for several years before Harold was transferred to a position in Council Bluffs, where the Baedkes remained through Harold’s retirement in 1993 until just before his death.
Harold had a sincere devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, evidenced through his regular worship attendance, regular Bible study participation, and eager singing of the hymns of the faith. He and Darlene were founding members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison and most recently members of Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, having a special place in his heart for his three beloved daughters.
Harold enjoyed woodworking, fashioning crosses, nativity sets, and entertainment centers. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed golfing and fishing, as well as bingo and playing cards in recent years. He diligently followed the Iowa Hawkeyes (especially in basketball).
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two infant siblings, a brother Paul, and a sister Dorothy (who died as a teenager). Survivors include wife Darlene, daughters Cathy; Diane (and husband Chuck); Connie (and husband Mark) ; grandchildren Mindy (Mrs. Jason), Chad, Erin (Mrs. Nick), Brian and fiance Amy , Sarah (Mrs. Brian), Jeremy and Nathan (Natalie); and seven great-grandchildren.