John Harland Blabaum, age 68, of Dodgeville, WI, passed away on March 27, 2025, at UW Hospital, surrounded by his family, following a long struggle with congestive heart failure. Born on April 23, 195

Blabaum, John Harland

John Harland Blabaum, age 68, of Dodgeville, WI, passed away on March 27, 2025, at UW Hospital, surrounded by his family, following a long struggle with congestive heart failure.

Born on April 23, 1956, in Dodgeville to Beauford and Mildred (James) Blabaum. He grew up with two brothers and kept his parents on their toes. John enjoyed farming alongside his grandpa and uncles and developed a love for working on cars. He graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1974, attended Fennimore Vocational School, and then enlisted in the Army, where he served in the Army Reserves.

John married Marilyn Ruppert in 1978, and together they raised three children: Janean, Eric, and Brad. Over the years, John worked in a variety of fields, including as a mechanic at Ladd Implement and Hennessey Implement, and briefly at Dodgeville Agri Service. He and Marilyn created countless memories while farming for 25 years where John particularly enjoyed milking his jersey cows and driving his Ford tractors. During his farming years, he also volunteered as an EMT and worked as an emergency room tech at Upland Hills Health.  

In 1999, John changed careers and pursued nursing, attending Nursing School and later working at Upland Hills Health, St. Mary's Hospital, UW Hospital, and Dean Health Clinic. Known for his easy smile, sense of humor, and mischievous spirit, John was beloved by both his patients and co-workers.

John had a passion for both creating and savoring delicious food, finding joy in every bite. He enjoyed working on his John Deere tractor, driving his red Ford truck, and spending time golfing and bowling with his family and friends. He also cherished family breakfasts, watching western shows, and stopping by Dodgeville Agri Service for a cup of coffee.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Ruppert) Blabaum; children Janean (Ryan) Marr, Eric (Pam) Blabaum, Brad (Mary) Blabaum; grandchildren Mason Marr and Beau Blabaum; parents Beauford and Mildred Blabaum; brothers Jim (Patti) Blabaum and Mark (Ange) Blabaum; In-laws Norma (Galen) Baker, Ken (Karin) Ruppert, Jean (Scott) Halvorson, Phil Ruppert, Annette Maybaum; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

He is preceded in death by his in-laws Ernest and Delores Ruppert and brother-in-law Rusty Maybaum.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville, WI.  Luncheon immediately following at the school.  A visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the church.

The family offers a sincere thank you to the members of his care team.  All the love and care you provided was greatly appreciated.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to The American Heart Association.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com