Jon L. Blume

Jon L. Blume, 81, of Rib Mountain, WI, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, on August 11, 2024. Jon was born on March 16, 1943, in Memphis, TN, the son of Johnny Blume and Grace Jane (Cramer) Blume. Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (McCarrier) Blume; daughters Portia (Yuri Gallegos) of Plainfield, Illinois, and Gwendolyn (Andy Karr) of Wausau; and son Jonathan of Rib Mountain. Jon was thrilled to be the grandfather to Maritza, Isa and Sonia Gallegos. He was a proud brother to Gary Blume of Hawaii, Mark (Tom Voss) Blume of Marathon, and Jay Blaher of Wausau, and attentive nephew to an aunt, Susie Rose of Wausau. Jon also enjoyed being the uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Jon graduated from Newman High School and UW-Madison. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Jon worked for the Department of Natural Resources in Illinois for over 32 years; he was the Park Superintendent first at Lincoln’s New Salem State Park and then primarily at Starved Rock State Park. In his time at Starved Rock, Jon oversaw the building of a new interpretive center, safer trails, more campgrounds and upgraded Lodge facilities. The number of fatal accidents at the park fell sharply under his tenure. His work to improve the park’s trail system received a national award. On retirement, he renovated his beloved family cottage at Pike Lake and worked with the Pike Lake Sportsmen’s Club and Pike Lake Fishing Club on many lake projects, applying for grants and finding resources that would protect Pike Lake. Whether in Vietnam, Illinois or Wisconsin, Jon could never be accused of living a dull life.

One could wonder: how did one hospital have so many caring, generous, knowledgeable nurses, doctors and staff as Aspirus Palliative Care, Hospice Services, Cancer Care Center, and E.R. His family wishes to thank all his health care workers for everything they did for Jon and his family during this difficult time.

A celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 31st, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Weston, WI. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Neighbors’ Place or The Nature Conservancy.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org.