Laura Blum, age 92, of Menomonie, passed away at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie, Wisconsin on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. She was born November 29, 1920 to Flossie (Morgan) and Robert Smiley in Albany, Wisconsin. She attended Albany Schools and graduated valedictorian of her class. She then went on to school at Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison and became a Laboratory Technician. After her graduation, she worked at the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin. Laura married Wilbert Pluss in 1945 and they farmed in the Monticello area until his death in 1955. She then married Manuel Loeffel who preceded her in death in 1970.

In 1973 Laura married Jacob Blum in Monroe. After she retired from the Monroe Clinic, they owned and operated the Longbranch Tavern in Alma Center, Wisconsin. Later retiring from the tavern, they traveled the United States and settled for many years in Arizona. Laura enjoyed golf, bowling, knitting, reading and making beautiful cross stitch pictures. They moved back to Wisconsin in 2004 to be closer to family.

Laura is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Jacob; a daughter, Lena Pluss Vranak of Menomonie and her friend Mark Gonring; a son, Robert Pluss of Tucson, Arizona. Stepchildren, Bev (Dick) Pogorelski of Janesville, Nancy Blum (Douglas) Cummings of Menomonie, Jane Olson of Milton and Lori Blum of Milton. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and of course, Cisco, Poncho, Sophie and Teddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Stephenson; husbands, Wilbert and Manuel; and a stepson, Mike Blum.

A celebration of her life will be held at The Moose Hall, 639 3rd Ave., Monroe, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013 from 1 to 5 p.m. Lunch will be served.