Delbert “Del” Joe Blume, 54, of West Burlington, died at 4:20 a.m. Sunday, August 3, 2008, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.

            Born January 20, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the son of Wayne and Patricia Bell Davison Blume.  On March 11, 1972 he married Kathleen M. Stratton in West Avenue Baptist Church in Burlington.

            Mr. Blume graduated in 1972 from Burlington High School.  He became licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic.  He was a fireman for 33 years for the city of Burlington and served as Captain.

Mr. Blume was a member of West Avenue Baptist Church, Eagles Club, and Fireman’s Union Local 301.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing, football, baseball, traveling, boating, his dogs and outings with his grandkids and family.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen M. Blume of West Burlington; two daughters, Heidi (Derek) Boyd and Amy Blume (Eric Hall) both of Burlington; three grandchildren, Justin Boyd, Austin Boyd, and Sydney Boyd; his parents, Wayne and Patricia Blume of Burlington; one sister, Julie (Gary) Coleman of Burlington; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

His grandparents preceded him in death.

A memorial has been established.