Edmund M. “Ed” Blaine, age 86, formerly of Darlington, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Homestead Living in Waunakee, WI.

Ed was born on March 8, 1939, in Fayette Township, Lafayette County, WI, the son of Matthew and Anna (McAloon) Blaine. He grew up in the Darlington area and graduated from Darlington High School in 1958. On September 16, 1961, Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life, M. JoAn Jones, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington.

A quiet and steady presence, Ed spent his entire working life in the Darlington area and was employed for many years as a custodian with the Darlington Public Schools. He took pride in his work and was known for his reliability, kindness, and willingness to help wherever needed. In his younger years, Ed was a trusted handyman for many, always ready to lend a hand without expecting recognition.

Ed had a deep appreciation for simple joys. He loved classic cars, enjoyed running, and took great pride in working in his yard and tending his gardens. He and JoAn shared a love of travel, especially traveling in their RV, and treasured many winters spent in Texas after retirement. Some of Ed’s happiest moments were spent going for quiet rides with JoAn, enjoying each other’s company.

With a heart for service, Ed volunteered for several years with the county, helping transport veterans to VA hospital appointments—a role he carried out with humility and care.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, JoAn; his children, Tom (Jennifer Grove) Blaine of Winona, MN, Deb (Tom Harvey) Lallier and Ric (Cheryl) Blaine, both of DeForest, WI, and Michelle (Fred) Hintz of Freeport, IL; his grandchildren: Megan (Justin Dishler) Lallier, Sydney (Reuben) Herschleb, Camron Blaine, Jani (Cole) Brown, Adam & Tyler Hintz; his sister, Mary Ellen Hartwick of Dubuque, IA; two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Blaine of Shullsburg, WI, and Joyce (Tom) White of Clarksville, TN; a brother-in-law, Kevin Krupke of Monroe, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Paul (Miriam) McAloon, John Blaine, and Betty (Bob) Parkinson; a sister-in-law, Jackie Krupke; and brothers-in-law, Daryl “Bud” Hartwick, Dale Jones, Dean Jones, and Darrell Jones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 4:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home, 508 Main Street, Darlington, and on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service at the church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

Ed Blaine

March 08, 1939 - January 11, 2026

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