Gail Marie Blum

She was born in Rochester, New York, one of 4 children of Lyndale and Marion Bailey. She graduated from Avon High School in Avon, NY. She went on to receive her BA from Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, where she met her future husband Barry, on the other

side of a Bunsen burner in Chemistry class. After college, Gail began a teaching career in Algonquin, IL. Soon after, she transitioned to Office Manager at the Henry Nielsen Construction Company, where she worked for the next 49 years.

Gail was very active in the community through various social groups, including the Jayceettes, Algonquin Founder’s Days and The Algonquin Garden Club. She was one of the founding members of the Algonquin - LITH Ambulance Service, where she volunteered as a certified paramedic for more than 10 years.

Gail enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles and world travel, particularly European river cruises. She also loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by Barry, her husband of 62 years; her 3 siblings, Marylin, Larry and Terry; her son Brad (Christine) Blum and daughter Traci (Brian) Kanallakan; her grandchildren Meghan Lane (husband Nicholas Lane), Heather Schulz (husband Tyler Schulz), Ryan Kanallakan, Jessica Spears (husband Austin Spears); and her

great-grandchildren Alyssa Lane, Audrey Lane, Ella Schulz.

Visitation will be held at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 East Grant Highway, Marengo, IL 60152, on March 23, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 323 N Taylor St, Marengo, IL 60152, on March 24, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blackburn College at www.blackburn.edu/give.

Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.