Dodgeville – Mildred "Millie" Irene James Blabaum, age 91, of Dodgeville, passed on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living.

She was born on December 17, 1934, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Harland and Blanche James, Millie spent her life building deep roots in the community she loved so dearly.

A proud 1952 graduate of Dodgeville High School, Millie began her career at Arthur Real Estate immediately after her graduation. In February of 1954, she married her beloved husband, Beauford Blabaum. Shortly after their wedding, Beauford was deployed with the U.S. Army to Korea. Millie and Beauford welcomed their first son in fall of 1954 and she dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mother, expertly managing a household of three busy, active boys. Once her youngest son started school, Millie returned to the workforce. She lent her talents to Moorman Feeds as a bookkeeper, followed by positions at the Reminder and the Dodgeville Chronicle. Her career eventually brought her to Dodgeville City Hall, starting as a runner and culminating in her appointment as the City Treasurer. Millie served the citizens of Dodgeville faithfully until her retirement in 1997.

Millie was a vibrant, creative soul who brought joy and artistry to everything she touched. She loved crocheting, ceramics, sewing, quilting, puzzles, card games, and board games. She shared many of those talents with a local 4-H Club as a leader. In her final years, she was a joyful participant in all the daily activities at Crestridge Memory Care. Above all, family was her ultimate joy. She was immensely proud of her three boys, Jim, John, and Mark.

Millie lived for family gatherings, whether hosting her siblings and extended family, or laughing alongside her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and Beauford shared their lives with countless friends, and Millie loved nothing more than a good party filled with loved ones, abundant food, and always a dessert or two. Christmas was her absolute favorite time of year, and she transformed her home into a holiday wonderland. If a decoration could fit in, on, or over a space, it was beautifully placed. Her front window proudly displayed a Christmas tree meticulously adorned with every ornament she had ever received—a collection made even more meaningful by the many birthday ornament gifts she accumulated over the years.

Millie is survived by her two sons, Jim (Patti) Blabaum and Mark (Angela) Blabaum; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Blabaum; her brothers, Richard (Judy) James and David (Betty) James; her sister, Marie (Raymond) Brokish; and her sister-in-law, Judy James. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Carrie Miller, Jamie Blabaum (Nick Portzen), Carson (Ariel) Blabaum, Janean (Ryan) Marr, Eric (Pam) Blabaum, Brad (Mary) Blabaum, and AJ Blabaum; her great-grandchildren, Owen Miller, Cole Miller, Macy Blabaum, Brandon Fordney, Grant Rupp, Clinton Rupp, Addison Rupp, Mason Marr, Beau Blabaum, Arya Frondorf, and Lynden Blabaum; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Beauford Blabaum, and her son, John Blabaum, both in 2025; her parents, Harland and Blanche James; her brothers, Corney James and Bill James; and her sister-in-law, Helen James. Also her brothers and sisters in law Leland and LaVon Blabaum and Milford and Ione Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Friday at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UHH Hospice, Grace Lutheran Church or the UHH Foundation or Iowa County Humane Society.

We would like to thank Crestridge Memory Care for all the love and support. Thank you to UHH Hospice, Dr Keith for your care and kindness and to all who came to visit Millie thank you.