Dennis Blume Obituary

Dennis Michael Blume, 54, of Fonda, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, following a boating incident while fishing on Clear Lake.
Memorial Mass will take place Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sebastian Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Fonda, Iowa. Burial will be in Zion Catholic Cemetery in Fonda. Visitation will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the CHURCH. To honor Dennis's passion and commitment to musky conservation, a memorial fund is being established in his name to support the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Fish Barrier Project. Contributions can be sent to Fede Blume, P.O. Box 45, Fonda, Iowa 50540-0045 and will be forwarded to the Iowa DNR. This initiative helps preserve musky populations by installing barriers that keep fish in the lakes where they are stocked, ensuring that future generations can experience the same joy Dennis found on the water. Memorials can also be deposited to the Dennis Blume Memorial Fund at First Community Bank in Fonda, Newell, Pomeroy, or Rockwell City. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Fonda is in charge of the arrangements.
Dennis was a cherished husband, son, brother, and friend. Born August 30, 1970, in Storm Lake, Iowa, he was the youngest of three children to Ronald Blume and Alice McLaughlin. He was lovingly raised in Fonda by his grandparents, Lloyd and Alma Blume, whose steady presence and deep affection shaped the man he would become.
A graduate of Fonda Community High School, Class of 1989, Dennis went on to dedicate many years to his work at Valero, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and quiet dependability.
On July 6, 2004, Dennis married the love of his life, Federica ("Fede"). Together they shared a joyful partnership marked by laughter, shared adventures, and peaceful days on the water. Dennis taught Fede to fish, and together they created lasting memories chasing muskies across Iowa's lakes.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Dennis found peace in nature and purpose in musky fishing. From the moment he picked up a fishing pole at age three, he was hooked. To Dennis, even a bad day on the water was better than a good day most anywhere else. Known to friends as an expert musky fisher - and to muskies everywhere as the "nightmare with a net" - Dennis spent countless hours on the water in pursuit of the elusive "fish of 10,000 casts." He was patient and strategic. He believed in strong coffee, sturdy reels, and that most of life's problems could be solved with just one more cast.
Dennis was also a tender-hearted little brother and a radiant soul, full of joy and boundless energy. To him, every day was a new adventure. He loved pedaling through the neighborhood on his bike, playing backyard kickball with the neighbor kids, and especially winter days when Grandpa Blume transformed the yard into a snowy playground with towering snow piles perfect for sledding and building snow forts. He appreciated a good steak, a joke timed just right, and conversations about anything and everything. His kindness was effortless. His laughter - bright, contagious, unforgettable. His warm heart and easy humor left an impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.
In one of the many letters from his Grandma Blume, one note ended with: "I'm wishing life will be kind to you. And you'll enjoy your fishing." Dennis lived that wish deeply, fully, and without regret. He cherished his life, he loved Fede, he loved his boat, and he deeply valued the friendships he made along the way. He will be remembered for his generosity, quick wit, and the way he taught others not just how to fish - but how to listen, observe, and be still.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Fede; his father, Ronald Blume of Ocala, FL; his brother, David Blume (Jennifer Jaszczak) of Cottage Grove, MN; his sister, Debora Blume (Eric Woolson) of West Des Moines; his stepfather, Allen Salazar of Mesa, AZ; and his beloved nephews and nieces. He is also survived by half-siblings Paige (Grant) Bell, Devin (Jenni) Blume, Shawn (Kelly) Benshoof; and step-siblings Kim (Alex) Gilmour and Nancy (Tomas) Reveles. Dennis leaves a legacy that will ripple across generations of anglers who learned from the best.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Salazar; his grandparents Lloyd and Alma Blume and Vincent and Mary Catherine McLaughlin; his uncle Dr. Allen Blume; and his faithful rescue dog, Blackie.
Remember Dennis as a man who found peace on the water - and like him, always believe the biggest musky is still out there.