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The Gazette, Iowa, October 2, 2021
Robert Henry Bassett
1924 ? 2021
Robert Henry Bassett passed away Sept. 28, 2021, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa. Iowa Cremation is in charge of the arrangements. Robert (Bob) was born at home on Sept. 21, 1924, to George and Ruth (Burington) Bassett. Throughout his childhood, Bob worked with his father and brother, Paul, on the family dairy farm near Arlington, Iowa (Bassett's Pheasant Ridge Century Farm). Bob married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie (Antwine) on May 1, 1945, and started dairy farming southeast of Arlington on a 120-acre parcel in 1948. As time passed, he realized that farming was not for him. So at age 31 Bob and wife Bonnie started down a new path. Bob sold a guernsey to pay tuition. They were caring for three children (and five by the time he graduated), operating the farm full time and attending classes at Upper Iowa University. It took a tremendous amount of courage and determination to get through the next four years. Bob graduated in four years Magna Cum Laude and accepted his first teaching position in Clarence, Iowa. Furthering his education, he received a master's degree in administration from the University of Iowa. He also attended classes at Iowa State University and ultimately accepted a position as principal at Corwith-Wesley Community School District and then at Ida Grove Community School District. While in Ida Grove, he and Bonnie hosted a German foreign-exchange student, Matthias Terlau, who has remained a close family friend. Bob retired after 25 years in education and returned with Bonnie to the family farm site to build a new home. Energy efficiency was foremost in his mind so the home was designed using such features as passive solar, geo-thermal energy and earth berms. Bob received an award from Trees Forever for reforestation and riparian projects completed on their land. The home continues to be the center of family gatherings. Bob's pastimes included fishing on the family pond, woodworking, genealogy, writing a family history, and restoring the family barn built by his grandfather in 1879. Bob loved singing and often would ask others to join him in song. Bob was a religious man, taking leadership roles in churches wherever he lived. He was kind and loving. He will be forever missed by his wife Bonnie, family and friends. Bob is survived by his wife of 76 years, Bonnie Lou (Antwine) Bassett of Edgewood, Iowa; his children, Sandra Lou (George) Wysock of Madison, Wis., Raylin Eugene (Dawn) Bassett of Kanawha, Iowa, John D. Bassett of Arlington, Iowa, Catherine Larene (Duane) Widen of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Michael Linn (Beverly) Bassett of Center Point, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Preceding him death were his parents; his brother, Paul LaVern; an infant daughter, Georgeanne; and an infant brother, Forest Burdette. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Fayette County Historical Society, Trees Forever in Marion, Iowa, or the Community Bible Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at the Edgewood Convalescent Home for their care of our father and the continued care of our mother. Services are closed to the public due to Covid concerns. Cards may be sent to Bonnie at the Edgewood Convalescent Home, P.O. Box 189, Edgewood, IA 52042.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1924 - 2021 (97 years)