Alvin James "Al" Baldus (April 27, 1926 – February 2, 2017) was an American Democratic politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district from 1975 to 1981. He also served 16 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1967–1975 & 1989–1997).
Alvin Baldus | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 3rd district | |
| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Vernon Wallace Thomson |
| Succeeded by | Steve Gunderson |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly | |
| In office January 2, 1989 – January 6, 1997 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Shoemaker |
| Succeeded by | Joe Plouff |
| Constituency | 29th Assembly district |
| In office January 1, 1973 – January 6, 1975 | |
| Preceded by | District established |
| Succeeded by | La Verne Ausman |
| Constituency | 69th Assembly district |
| In office January 2, 1967 – January 1, 1973 | |
| Preceded by | Francis L. Peterson |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Dunn County district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 27, 1926 Garner, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | February 2, 2017 (aged 90) Menomonie, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Saint Josephs Cemetery, Menomonie |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Anna Lorayne Reiten
(m. 1959–2017) |
| Children | 5 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1951–1953 |
| Unit | 2nd Div. U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
Early and career
editBorn in Garner, Iowa, Baldus graduated from high school in Elkton, Minnesota, and went to Riverland Community College (formerly Austin Junior College) in Austin, Minnesota.[1]
He was in the United States Merchant Marine from 1944 to 1946 and the United States Army, serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.[1]
In 1959, he wed Lorayne Reiten, to whom he would be married until his death in 2017.[1]
He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1966 to 1975 and again from 1989 to 1997.[2]
Congress
editHe served three terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1981, representing Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district—the first Democrat to hold this seat in 66 years.[citation needed] He served as part of the 94th, 95th and 96th United States Congresses.[2]
He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1980, losing to Republican Steve Gunderson.
Personal life and family
editAlvin Baldus married Anna Lorayne "Lolly" Reiten in 1959, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie.[2] They had six children together and were married for 58 years before his death in 2017. He died at his home in Menomonie, Wisconsin, on February 2, 2017, at age 90.[3][4][1] He was buried at St Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery.[2]
Baldus' eldest daughter, Deb McGrath, ran for his former seat in the United States House of Representatives in the 2022 election, but lost in the Democratic primary to state senator Brad Pfaff.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Alvin J. Baldus". rhielfuneralhome.com.
- ^ a b c d "Obituary: Alvin 'Al' James Baldus". The Chippewa Herald. February 5, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
- ^ "Alvin Baldus, Wisconsin Historical Society". Archived from the original on 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
- ^ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1995-1996,' Biographical Sketch of Alvin Baldus, pg. 41
- ^ Redman, Henry (November 10, 2021). "Deb McGrath, daughter of former congressman enters primary in 3rd Congressional District". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
External links
edit- United States Congress. "Alvin Baldus (id: B000083)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Alvin Baldus at Find a Grave