Harold “Harry” George Blum, age 84 of the Township of Lebanon, Waupaca County, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. In a moment that reflected the deep love he inspired, all four of his children had come home the night before to be by his side.
Harry was born on November 15, 1941, to David and Goldie Blum. He grew up in Clintonville, Wisconsin, and graduated from Clintonville High School in 1960. During his school years, Harry was an active athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track. He was a proud member of the 1959 Northeastern Wisconsin Conference co-championship football team alongside Neenah.
On August 22, 1964, Harry married the love of his life, Nancy Karlson. Together they shared a remarkable 61 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and devotion to family. Harry was widely known throughout New London and the surrounding communities as the “gas man.” He
worked for Wisconsin Gas Company from 1965 until his retirement in 1997 and was involved in the natural gas pipeline project that helped bring natural gas to the surrounding areas. People were always happy to see him coming. In 1969, Harry built their family home in New London, WI. where he and Nancy lovingly raised their four children and created a lifetime of memories. Their home was always lively , filled not only with family but also with raising animals including cows, chickens, sheep, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. It was a place where life lessons were learned and memories were made.
Harry had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed bee keeping, maple tapping, fishing, trapping, and hunting. Each Spring brought opportunities for Harry to till and plant his large garden; although there was always a loving domestic dispute over the spacing of his rows. He was an early member of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Clintonville Chapter and often found time during a workday to slip away to a nearby stream for a quick fishing break. His Spring fishing seasons were made even more special by the friendships he shared with the Handschke and Prinsen families.
Family trips were cherished memories as well, including a trip out West and going to Auntie Kay and Uncle Claire’s on Presque Isle Lake, where Harry landed the muskie that would later hang proudly on the wall. Other memorable adventures included two trips to England to visit the Pilgrims, and travels down South to visit Uncle Jack.
Harry was a longtime usher at Emanuel Lutheran Church and treasured the relationships he built through his faith community. He cherished the friendships and memories that he made throughout the years. A friendship that held special meaning in Harry’s life was the bond he shared with Mark Wolfe. In his spare time, Harry enjoyed curling, and making his homemade
dandelion and elderberry wine. Harry was also very dedicated about donating blood, and even received a special award for his services that he was very proud of. But above all else, his greatest joy was his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. He was delighted in teaching them how to hunt and fish, creating countless “first” memories in the woods and on the water as he did with his own children. It was not uncommon for him to have his grandchildren release a fish with a playful goodbye kiss before letting it swim away.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children Andrew (Julie) Blum, Michael (Chris) Blum, Rebecca (Rob) Griesbach, and Dan (Sarah) Blum; and his cherished grandchildren Matthew (Aubree) Blum, David (Alyssa) Blum, Victoria Blum (fiancé Kyle Mrozinski), Caleb (Burgundy) Griesbach, Samantha Blum (fiancé Jonathan Tesch), Dylan (Hunter) Blum, Joshua Griesbach, Emma Blum (special friend Austin Suprise), and Hannah Blum. He is also survived by five great-grandsons: Oliver and Calvin Blum, Theodore Blum, Eldon Griesbach, and Bennett Blum. Harry is further survived by his sister Audrey (Tom) Gretzinger; sisters-in-law Judy Schroeder and Beth Karlson; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Goldie Blum; his brother and sister-in-law Allen and Sharon Blum; his mother- and father-in-law Arthur and Evelyn Karlson; and his brothers-in-law Marvin Schroeder and Jim Karlson.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the compassionate staff of ThedaCare staff and hospice, especially Dr. Hong, Dr. Bista, and nurse Paula, for the care and kindness they showed Harry and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.
Those who knew Harry will always remember the phrases that became his signature. He often ended conversations and gatherings with a quiet “Ho hum,” and whenever he offered a toast it always included his hopeful words, “Here’s to better days.” His legacy of love, humor, hard work, and deep devotion to family will live on in the many lives he touched
Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory Clintonville, South Location. (299 S. Main St. Clintonville, WI 54929). The Rev. Seth Dorn will officiate the service. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9 AM until the time of service.
Here’s to better days! Love, Harry
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