Laura Blad, wife of former mayor Brian Blad, dies after 6-year cancer battle

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Laura Marie Blad, the wife of former Pocatello mayor Brian Blad, passed away Sunday following a 6-year battle with cancer. She was 56.

According to her obituary, Laura died in her husband's arms, surrounded by her children.

Laura was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and was adopted by a military family stationed in Thailand at the time.

She attended Rick's College, where she met her husband, Brian. They raised their four children in Pocatello. She also had six grandchildren.

Brian Blad served as mayor of Pocatello for 16 years before leaving office in January 2026.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1440 Lakeview Drive in Pocatello. A viewing will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, in Chubbuck, and prior to the service on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. She will be buried at the Mountain View Cemetery.

A celebration of Laura's life will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday at the ISU Alumni Center.