Joel Edward Blum, 58, passed away unexpectedly March 3, 2021 at his Monroe home.

He was born on March 30, 1962 at St. Clare Hospital in Monroe, the second of three sons to William F. and Pauline (Krueger) Blum. Joel grew up on the Blum Family Farm, just outside of Monroe. He graduated in 1980 from Monroe High School, attended UW-Platteville, then swiftly joined the workforce, to which he devoted his life's energy.

Joel was a tinkerer, delighting in all things mechanical, including cars, machinery, house projects, and gadgets. His work was his pride and joy, and he was employed by area factories taking care of the machinery that made cheese, feed and plastic cups. His many years as a route driver with Schwan's Foods was a fond memory. Joel always offered a helping hand, an understanding ear, and a snappy joke.

He is survived by his mother, Pauline of Monroe; daughter Heidi and her fiancé, Drew Griffin of Chicago; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Erin Blum of Monroe; uncle and aunt, Dave and Mary Blum of Monroe; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father William in 2019, and his brother Alan in 2018. 

Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home, with Msgr. Larry Bakke as celebrant. Burial will follow service in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. The family asks that everyone attending respect Covid restrictions; please wear a mask and maintain social distance.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.