Alvin Baldus

Alvin James Baldus (April 27, 1926 – February 2, 2017) was an American Democratic politician and former member of Congress for Wisconsin from 1975 to 1981.

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 1966–1975
In office 1989–1997
Personal details
Born	April 27, 1926 Garner, Iowa
Died	February 2, 2017 (aged 90) Menomonie, Wisconsin
Political party	Democratic

Early and career

Born 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 and the United States Army, serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.[2]

In 1959, he wed Lorayne Reiten, to whom he would be married until his death in 2017.[3]

He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1966 to 1975 and again from 1989 to 1997.

Congress

He 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. He served as part of the 94th, 95th and 96th United States Congresses.

He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1980, losing to Republican Steve Gunderson.

Death

He died at his home in Menomonie, Wisconsin.[4][5][6]

Notes

1. Alvin J. Baldus-obituary
2. Alvin J. Baldus-obituary
3. Alvin J. Baldus-obituary
4. Alvin Baldus, Wisconsin Historical Society
5. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1995-1996,' Biographical Sketch of Alvin Baldus, pg. 41
6. Alvin J. Baldus-obituary

External links

• United States Congress. "Alvin Baldus (id: B000083)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Alvin Baldus at Find a Grave