Barbara J. “Barb” Blasen passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee while visiting relatives.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 10th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, concluding the visitation a tribute ceremony will be held by the Nursing Honor Guard. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Barb was born December 30, 1936 in Dubuque to Arthur and Mabel (Hark) Jungk. She was one of eight children with a very close bond.

She graduated high school from St. Patrick’s Catholic School and attended Mercy Hospital Nursing School graduating in 1958. She went on to work at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque Healthcare Center, Medical Associates Clinic and finally retiring from The American Red Cross in 2004.

Barb married William (Bill) Blasen on May 27, 1961. She spent 53 wonderful years with Bill before he passed away. They raised 6 children together whom they were extremely proud of.

Barb spent her spare time volunteering, crafting, sewing, crocheting, origami (particularly money) and traveling (Especially cruising and Hawaii). She was a camp counselor, taught swimming to disabled youth, served at the soup kitchen, camp nurse at the kids campouts. She enjoyed camping at Lake Joy. Her car was known to stop at every garage sale and thrift shop. Her hands were never idle.

Barb is survived by her children who all adored her, Steven Blasen, Paul Blasen, Ann Leppert, Lori (Scott) Butterbaugh, Ellen (Dave) Haberkorn, Charles (Gina) Blasen. Grandchildren Kaitlyn & Kyle Blasen, Patrick & Allison Leppert, Drew & Nicole Butterbaugh, Andy, Tony & Hayley Haberkorn and Maggie, William & Thomas Blasen. Siblings Joan Gizzi, Bob (Kaye) Jungk, Mary Borges and John (Molly) Jungk, and many in laws.

She is preceded in death by her husband William, infant daughter Elizabeth, siblings Alice Weigman, Thomas Jungk, and Nancy Gourley.

The family would like to give special thanks to the residents of Woodlands Apartments where she lived since 1999, she consider all as part of her family. The family would also like to give thanks to Joan Gizzi and her family for the special love and care they always showed to mom, especially in her final days.

Mom was looking forward to being with Dad in Heaven and will be waiting for the rest of us with open arms and a big smile.

Barb is survived by her children who all adored her, Steven Blasen, Paul Blasen, Ann Leppert, Lori (Scott) Butterbaugh, Ellen (Dave) Haberkorn, Charles (Gina) Blasen. Grandchildren Kaitlyn & Kyle Blasen, Patrick & Allison Leppert, Drew & Nicole Butterbaugh, Andy, Tony & Hayley Haberkorn and Maggie, William & Thomas Blasen. Sisters Joan Gizzi, Bob (Kaye) Jungk, Mary Borges and John (Molly) Jungk, and many in laws.

She is preceded in death by her husband William and infant daughter Elizabeth.

The family would like to give special thanks to the residence of Woodlands Apartments where she lived since 1999, she consider all as part of her family. The family would also like to give thanks to Joan Gizzi and her family for the special love and care they always showed to mom, especially in her final days.

Mom was looking forward to being with Dad in heaven and will be waiting for the rest of us with open arms and a big smile.