Blabaum, Beauford J.

Beauford J. Blabaum, age 92, of Dodgeville, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at CrestRidge Memory Care Center, following a brief illness.

Beauford was born on August 30, 1933, in Highland Township to John and Ida (Lee) Blabaum. He grew up a farm boy in Highland. He married Mildred James on February 16, 1954, at Otter Creek Lutheran Church in Otter Creek. When asked why he fell in love with Millie, his response was, “She was a farm girl with milk on her shoes, and that was just what he was looking for.”

Shortly after their wedding, Beauford was deployed by the Army to serve his country in Korea. He was there from 1954 to 1955. Upon returning from service, Beauford was a mechanic at Helin Motors from 1955 to 1961. He went to work at Midland Co-Op, which later became Cenex, and managed that plant for 33 of his 35 years there, until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and a member of the American Legion.

Beauford enjoyed tinkering on mowers and other motors, collecting model tractors, and driving old cars. He always kept a pair of mini pliers in his shirt pocket for emergencies. He also loved watching Judge Judy. He always had an old car around to work on. He took great pride in his military service. However, he always told the story of his flight home from his deployment, and how it was so bumpy and turbulent that once he was back home, he didn’t care if he ever flew again. He never did. He also had quite the sweet tooth. He never met a cookie he wouldn’t eat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son John H Blabaum, this past March, his sister, Ione (Milford) Thomas, his brother Leland (LaVon) Blabaum and grandson-in-law Matthew Miller. 

Beauford is survived by his wife of 71 years, Millie; his son Jim (Patti) Blabaum of Dodgeville; his daughter-in-law Marilyn Blabaum of Dodgeville; his son Mark (Angela) Blabaum of Mineral Point; seven grandchildren, Carrie Miller, Jamie Blabaum, Carson (Ariel) Blabaum, Janean (Ryan) Marr, Eric (Pam) Blabaum, Brad ( Mary) Blabaum, A.J. Blabaum; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Pastor Mark Williamson will officiate. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UHH Hospice, Grace Lutheran Church or the UHH Foundation.

The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Dunn for his care and assistance throughout Beauford's illness. Thank you to the Crestridge Memory Care staff for your support and care. UHH Hospice for helping us all through this tough time. Gorgen Funeral Home for your kindness. Pastor Williamson and Vicar Jill, thank you for your support and visits. To all who came to visit at Crestridge, we appreciate you all. Please continue to see Millie at Crestridge Memory Care.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com