Barbara M. Blum, 60, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 18, 2026, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital – Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.

Barbara was born on August 22, 1965, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Wayne and Anita (Koenig) Maro. She was united in marriage to Gordon W. Blum on May 10, 1986, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West. Barbara worked as an Associate at Target, and at Little Leaps where she was adored by all the children in her care.

Barbara loved attending country concerts, reading love stories, playing bingo, and visiting casinos. She also enjoyed baking cookies and cakes with her sisters. In her younger years, she was a member of a bowling league.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Gordon; son, Zachary (Riza) Blum; sisters, Carol (Joe) Knockel, Deanna (Jeff) Riniker, Carla (Scott) Gilles, and Mary (Isaac) Maro-Sanchez; brother Dan Maro; brothers-in-law, William (Joanne) Blum and Rodney (Karen) Blum; and sister-in-law Jamie Blum.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Wallace and Celeste Blum, and brother-in-law Gary Blum.

In lieu of flowers, a Barbara Blum Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Deanna, Carla, and Jamie for your care and support. Another thank you to Finley’s 5th floor Medical and Surgical nurses and staff, UIHC Oncology Department, Dr. Hermann, and Dr. Kaminskas for their care of Barbara.