Mary K. Baum

1933 - 2025

Mary K. Baum, 92, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at her home in Keokuk.

Mary was born Sept. 11, 1933, in Keokuk, the daughter of Jerry and Maxine (Baxter) Lucas.

On Jan. 8, 1951, she was united in marriage with Donald F. Baum at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Keokuk. He preceded her in death in 2004.

Mary was an organizer of the Lee County ARC and was a teacher's assistant for Area 16. She was also a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk.

In high school, Mary was a majorette, and she continued her love of music, especially country western music, throughout her life. She enjoyed bingo and playing Uno for money, and some of her favorite memories were going to the Tri-State Rodeo with Linda and her family. Mary was an animal lover and raised a zoo in her home, complete with many dogs, cats, turtles, and fish. She loved front porch sittin', people watching, and picking her flowers. She also loved giving her boys a hard time, as they always tried starting it. A Cubs fan with a ravenous sweet tooth, Mary especially loved decorating for the holidays with her granddaughter, planting flowers, taking silly pictures, and baking pies together every year. Above all, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Mary Jo Bowen of Keokuk; four sons: Randy Baum of Triangle, Virginia, Michael (Kelly) Baum of Keokuk, David (Cassie) Baum of Keokuk, and Andrew (LeAnn) Baum of Keokuk; daughter-in-law Kelly Baum of Kilgore, Texas; 16 grandchildren: Ryan (Karen) Baum, Triscia (Craig) Johnson, Jeremy Baum, Breane (Steve) Pathman, Jacob (Heather) Baum, Zeth (Megan) Baum, Kyle (Samantha) Baum, Zachary (Ashley) Baum, Maverick (Krystal) Bowen, Heather "Nikki" Baum, Amber (Brett) Baum-Thomure, Kayla Baum, Jessica Baum, Craig (Tayrin) Baum, Marcus (Mandi) Baum and Kelsey (Tyler) Newberry; 28 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law David Baum of Des Moines, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Lutyzens of Clive, Iowa, and Sister Carol Marie Baum of Dubuque, Iowa; and many loved ones.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donald; three daughters: Cindy Eppers, Linda Baum, and Jeri Ann; three sons: Steven, Kevin and Vincent Baum; grandson Joshua Thomas Baum; great-grandson Brody Newberry; in-laws, Earl and Grace Baum; Aunt "Bobbi" Leota Grogan; and daughter-in-law Carol Baum.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20 at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau St., Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 2-5 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Bentley's Playground or the Lymphoma Society.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.