Mary K. Baum

Mary K. Baum, 92, of Keokuk, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her home in Keokuk. Mary was born on September 11, 1933, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Jerry and Maxine (Baxter) Lucas. On January 8, 1951, she was united in marriage to 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, Andrew (LeAnn) Baum of Keokuk; Daughter-in-law Kelly Baum of Kilgore, Texas; sixteen grandchildren: Ryan (Karen) Baum, Triscia (Craig) Johnson, Jeremy Baum, Breane (Steve) Pathman, Jacob (Heather) Baum, Zeth (Megan) Baum, Kyle (Samantha) Baum, Zachary (Ashlea) 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; twenty-eight 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 is 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 held at 10 am on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2 to 5 pm. Memorials may be directed to Bentley's Playground or the Lymphoma Society. To send flowers to the family of Mary, please visit our floral store.