Joseph E Blum
April 16, 2014
Obituary
MADISON -Joseph E. Blum, age 73, died on April 16, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. Born Nov. 4, 1940, in Madison, to Carl and Doris (Cook) Blum, Joe grew up in Madison and graduated from St Bernard’s school and Edgewood High School. A member of the U.S. Air National Guard and graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Joe was a teacher and coach at Winnequah Middle School and Monona High School respectively. During his 30 year teaching and coaching career, Coach Blum influenced many students and created lasting friendships. In addition to teaching, Joe was a successful real estate entrepreneur in Wisconsin and in North Carolina. During his 19 year marriage to Aleesa Blum, Joe, Aleesa and their six children and eight grandchildren shared countless travels, celebrations and treasured memories. Joe is survived by his wife, Aleesa; three sons, Greg (Di) Blum of Madison, Wis.; Pete (Michelle) Blum of Tomah, Wis.; and Jim (Nikki) Bell of Philadelphia, Pa.; three daughters, Melissa Reynolds-Grove of Hong Kong; Leslie Blum of Madison, Wis.; and Meeghan Bell of Memphis, Tenn.; eight grandchildren, Grethe, Noah, Maddie, Keller, Maria, Merrick, Faustina and Oliver; brother Tom (Diane) Blum; and sisters, Lois (Dale) Pollock and Mary Jean (Tom) Schwarz; and mother-in-law, Alice Cook. He is further survived by his ex-wife, Ruth Ann; and nieces and nephews in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Oliver Cook; and two nephews, Jimmy and Chris Blum. In his final year, Joe faced significant health challenges but taught us lessons about courage and the power of perspective. The family invites friends to share in a memorial service to celebrate a life well lived. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. The family will be welcoming friends on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, and also from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: UW-Madison Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726 Attention: Joe Blum Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Apr 21, 2014 @ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Tue Apr 22, 2014 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Bernard Parish • 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
Photos
No photos of Joseph have been shared yet.
Memories
A
Amy
Other •
Thank you for to being a great teacher! You always "humored" me when it came to that dreaded gymnastics time. Volleyball, basketball...those were my games. I was NOT built for gymnastics, being the tall, big girl, but you handled it kindly with me and with humor. I am forever grateful for that! Prayers to you and your family.
JH
John Haberle
Other •
My name is John Haberle. I grew up on the north side of Madison, went to Madison East. I remember playing city league baseball at Burr Jones field at Fiore shopping center. My umpire was Joe. Was probably a college student then. Always remembered him, actually thought about him last week. He was fair, honest, a true teacher even then. A great mentor and role model to me, but a better human being. I remember him telling me " don't let anyone tell you that you caint pitch because you can. Never forgot that and pitched in high school. He will be deeply missed.
B
Brian
Other •
Mr. Blum was my favorite coach!! He was the only one who believed in me! He also taught me to drive! U will never be forgotten! R.I.P.!!
D
D
Other •
I remember Mr Blum from HS, He was stern but yet he was very encouraging when you felt like giving up to keep you going
EH
Eric Hanson
Other •
I have many fond memories of Joe growing up across the street from his wonderful family. We spent some fun times up on Lake Delton and had some nice neighborhood gatherings. He will will be dearly missed. Now he gets to hang out again with one of his lifelong friends, my dad. My deepest sympathies to Greg, Pete, and Leslie and their families.
C
Charlotte
Other •
I had Mr. Blum for a class in high school. I don't even recall what subject (driver's ed?). I remember him as being intimidating, but fair. He is one of the few teachers I remember, so obviously he had a positive impact on me. I did well in high school and continued to do the same in college and business. I am sure he would smile if he knew he influenced his students, even without knowing. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.