Jean A. Bassett

Jean Ann Bassett, 89, gently passed away at Country Terrace nursing home in Minocqua on October 27, 2016. Jean was born on September 1, 1927, to Clara and Frank Paquette of Minocqua. Her mother was from a small German immigrant family in Hazelhurst and her father was a French-Canadian immigrant businessman in Minocqua. She was born at a time when Minocqua was little more than a small village of fewer than 1000 souls. Jean graduated from Minocqua High School during the time when many Lakeland young men, including her future husband, left for war in Europe and the Pacific. Jean married Lester E. Bassett in 1947 upon his return from World War II, with Father Mayo of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Minocqua officiating. They initially lived in the apartment above Bassett Marine, on the site now occupied by Minocqua Lake Condominiums. In addition to raising her family, Jean worked at Security State Bank, Book World, the Lakeland Times, and Mama’s Restaurant. Jean had a loving heart whose care and dedication to her husband and nine children were her primary focus. She was a woman of great compassion, unbelievable strength, an incredible sense of humor and a kindness that touched the hearts of those around her. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life. Even as Jean suffered through the effects of dementia in her last years, her empathy for her family and others remained constant. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband after 63 years of marriage, and by her parents, eight half-sisters, a baby sister, and her brother Frank. Jean is survived by her children: Leslie (Sid) Sorenson of Wausau, Michael (Betsy) Bassett of Green Bay, Gregory (Wendy) Bassett of Hazelhurst, Denise Bassett (Michael) Cirilli of Minocqua, Gary (Celeste) Bassett of Amherst, Lynne (Bryan) Wakely of Rhinelander, Lisa (Brian) Brandt of Stevens Point, Scot (Sue) Bassett of Minocqua, and Julie (Michael) Smith of Minocqua, as well as by 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Virginia (Emil) Van Goethem of Wausau and Patricia (Gordon) Geiger of Merrill, and brother Dennis Paquette of Arlington, Virginia. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Bolger Funeral Home - Minocqua Chapel.

Jean A. Bassett

September 1, 1927 - October 27, 2016