Marion G. (Flattem) Blabaum, age 90 of Dodgeville/Highland, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on May 18, 2026, at Upland Hills Heath after a brief illness. She was born on December 20, 1935, in Edgerton, WI, to John and Lucille (Richard) Flattem. Marion graduated from Edgerton High School in 1953. On June 19, 1953, she married the love of her life, Dwayne E. Blabaum at Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton. In the late 1950’s, they relocated to Highland, WI, where they raised five children.
In 1981, Marion graduated from Southwest Wisconsin Vocational- Technical Institute with her Certificate in Nursing Assistant. Marion spent many years working as a CNA at the group home in Highland, Bloomfield, Dodgeville Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. She also spent time at Spring Hill Honey Farm, bottling fresh honey.
When not raising her family or working, Marion enjoyed baking fresh bread, cookies, and deserts, completing word searches, reading the newspaper and all genres of books, making jewelry, playing Euchre, Old Maid, and Yatzee!, cheering on her favorite teams: the Packers and the Badgers, knitting and crocheting, attending parades, dancing the polka, and going to church.
Marion will be greatly missed for her tight hugs, bright smile, joyous laughter, and sense of humor.
Marion was preceded in death by her husband Dwayne, son Karl, two great-grandchildren, parents, and eight siblings.
Marion’s legacy will live on through her special companion, Kenny Nihles; children: Carol Gilbert, Neil (Trudy) Blabaum, Nila (Ron Culver) Blabaum, Dale (Terri) Blabaum; 16 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 28 great-greatgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, Highland at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will commence following the service at Highland Public Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Upland Hills Health and Upland Hills Health Nursing and Rehabilitation, Sienna Crest, and Mel’s Place, for all of the wonderful and compassionate care of Marion and her family over the years.
McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home
Highland 608-929-4815
www.houckfuneralhomes.com