Raymond Edward Blum

Raymond E. Blum was born on July 31, 1946 in Grant County, WI – the son of Ralph and Lucille (Fine) Blum. Raymond attended a one-room school through the 8th grade and attended Potosi High School, graduating in 1964. In the fall of that year, Raymond began his college education at the Wisconsin School of Mines in Platteville. He graduated in January 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Raymond met Joan M. King in the summer of 1968 and they were married on February 1, 1969. In the summer of that year, Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force and after basic training was stationed at K.I. Sawyer in Marquette, MI. During this time Raymond and Joan welcomed two sons, Raymond Jr. born in 1971 and Rob born in 1973.

Upon his release from active duty in December of 1973, Raymond and Joan moved back to Wisconsin eventually settling in the town of Highland where they bought their first house. In 1978, Raymond and Joan completed their family with the birth of their daughter Jennifer. Raymond worked for Nelson Construction as a project manager and estimator. He managed numerous construction projects throughout Wisconsin and Northeastern Iowa.

In 1985, Raymond took a job in Colorado with Robert Dougan Construction in Denver and the family soon followed settling in Pinewood Springs. Raymond worked for several construction companies in Colorado until his retirement in 2018 from Taylor Kohrs in Thornton. He worked on many projects all over Colorado including two in Estes Park, the town he and Joan called home.

Raymond enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and was often seen wearing a hat with the groups initials. Raymond was an avid historian and could narrate, in great detail, events in US history, particularly the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WWII battles. Raymond was also a sports fan of football, basketball and especially baseball. His favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Yankees. He also became a transplant fan of the Denver Broncos after his move to Colorado.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Joan on June 13, 2024. He is survived by his three children, Raymond Jr. (Jody Taylor), Rob (Cari Docter), and Jen (Bob DeValentino). He is also survived by his three brothers, Ralph Jr., Rodney, and Ronald.