Lester Bassett

Lester E. Bassett, 88, of Minocqua, Wisconsin gently passed away at his home in the midst of his devoted family on October 24, 2010. Les was born on September 15, 1922, in Woodruff, Wisconsin, to Alice Hill Bassett and Clarence Bassett. Les graduated from Minocqua High School and shortly thereafter entered military service, serving for the duration of World War II in the United States Army in the Pacific theater, including Saipan and Okinawa. After the war, Les left the Army and returned to Minocqua where he married Jean Ann Paquette in 1947, with Father Mayou of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church officiating. After his marriage he and his father Clarence and several of his brothers built and operated Bassett Marine, which was located at the Northeast corner of the Minocqua Bridge. A few years later Les began employment at the Minocqua Lumber Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1984. During his employment at the Minocqua Lumber Company Les began as a laborer and eventually rose to become Secretary of the corporation. During his younger years Les was elected to the Town Board of Minocqua and to the School Board of the Joint Elementary School district No. 1, serving as Treasurer in the latter organization. He also served as commander of the Oneida County Council of the American Legion, the president of the Land O’ Lakes Building Materials Association and the treasurer of the Minocqua Lions Club. He was named Outstanding Young Man of 1958 by the Minocqua Jaycees. In later years Les pursued his hobby of woodworking, producing many finely crafted pieces treasured by his family and friends. Throughout most of his life, in addition to woodworking, Les loved golf and deer hunting, and inculcated a love for the beauty of the Northwoods outdoors in his children. Les is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jean Paquette Bassett, of Minocqua, Wisconsin; by his daughters, Denise Bassett Cirilli of Minocqua, Lisa Bassett Brandt of Stevens Point, Julie Bassett of Minocqua, Leslie Jean Bassett Sorensen of Wausau and Lynne Bassett Wakely, Wisconsin; by his sons, Scot Bassett of Minocqua, Gregory Bassett of Hazelhurst, Gary Bassett of Stevens Point and Michael Bassett of Green Bay, Wisconsin; by his sisters, Jessie Bassett Hose of Houston, Texas, Alice Bassett Chase of Chetek, Wisconsin, Edna Bassett Pottratz of Rockford, Illinois, Freddie Bassett Geisler of Blacklick, Ohio and Martha Bassett Kreji of Milwaukee; by his brothers, Bill Bassett of Hazelhurst and Jerry Bassett of Viola, Wisconsin; by 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Services for Lester Bassett will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff at 11:00 AM Friday, October 29, 2010.

Lester Bassett

September 15, 1922 - October 24, 2010