Gary Curtis Blum, of Mora, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.  He was 86 years old.

Gary was born in Springfield, MN and was the eighth out of fourteen children to Joseph and Christine (Larsen) Blum.  The family moved to the Kroschel area where Gary attended Hinckley High School and met the love of his life, Marilyn Lindeen.

In 1957 Gary enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1960.  On August 11, 1962 Gary and Marilyn were united in marriage.  The two moved to St. Paul for a short period and then eventually to Mora where they lived together for 54 years and had two children, Julie and Rick.  Gary was part of the Local 49'ers and worked for Barton Sand and Gravel for 43 years.   After retiring in 2001, he and Marilyn made countless road trips and loved spending time traveling with each other and with friends.  If you ask anyone, the two of them were always a joy to be around with plenty of laughs and sarcasm.

Cowboy movies and Gunsmoke were always Gary's first choice with Nascar on the side.  He had a love for birds and a knack for just the right recipe for the hummer's and orioles.  He did well teaching his kids how to play a wise game of Yahtzee and he will be sadly missed.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn; parents, Joseph and Christine Blum, brothers Merle, Kenny, Frank, and Steve, and sister, Carol.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Lou) of Berryville, Arkansas and son, Rick (Mary) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, brothers, Dave, Bob, Karl, and Denny, and sisters, Joy, Janice, Pat, and Judy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mora with Rev. Anthony Cloose officiating.  Music is being provided by Jacki Peterson.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 5 until 7 P.M. at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home in Mora as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors being provided by the Mora American Legion Post 201.