Daniel Lee Baldwin

Born on September 8, 1955, to John and Margaret Baldwin. He was self-employed as a window and siding contractor for 51 years. Dan lived full life marked by laughter, adventure, and an unmistakable spark of mischief. As a boy, Dan displayed early signs of an adventurous spirit, that would define his life.

Dan was a true gear head with an enduring love for all things fast and loud. Whether he was elbows-deep in a carburetor rebuild or revving the engine just to hear it roar, he was happiest in the garage fabricating the next greatest invention or working on a project for those he loved.

He shared his love for the great outdoors with his family, and camping trips were a beloved tradition — especially at his favorite spot in Adel, Iowa. No matter how many times they went, Dan insisted on building the campfire himself. He had a method, after all. It wasn’t camping without one of Dan’s fires crackling under the stars.

Dan also found great joy in dirt biking with his boys, passing down his knowledge and skill with a few mishaps and stories along the way. His greatest joy however was being a grandfather. He cherished time with his grand-babies, sharing stories, jokes, and his signature smirk that always signaled trouble or a well-timed punchline.

Known for his sharp wit and famously dry sense of humor, Dan’s family swears he held an honorary degree in sarcasm. He could lighten any room with his banter or well-placed comment, and it’s that humor they will miss the most — along with his warm heart and fiercely loyal nature.

Dan lived life with grit, heart, and a whole lot of horsepower. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and love.

He is survived by his life partner of 22 years, Brenda Pierce; his daughter, Jenn (Nate) O’Conner of Bondurant, Iowa; his sons, Jake (Lena) Jansen of Ankeny, Iowa, Daniel Pierce of Ankeny, Iowa and Alex MacKinnon of Des Moines, Iowa; several grandchildren, Abby, Allison, Aaron, Elizabeth, Becca, Neil, Noah, Blake, Chaz, and Mia; one great granddaughter, Paisley; his brothers, Dale (Bev) Baldwin of Vinton, Iowa, Dave (Linda) Baldwin of Prairie City, Iowa and his sister, Betty Baldwin (Robert) Brugioni of Des Moines: as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents.

There are no public funeral services, a celebration of life will be held at a late date. Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.