Kenneth "Ken" Basel, Sr.

Kenneth “Ken” Basel, Sr., age 93, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at his home.

Born April 1, 1932, on the family farm in Omro, WI. Son of the late Joseph George and Theresa (Maciejewska) Basel. He attended Maple Grade School from the 1st to the 8th grade. It was a one room rural school 1.25 miles from the farm. He also attended Omro High School and graduated in June of 1950. In June of 1952, Ken entered into the United States Navy where he served during the Korean War. He was stationed in the South Pacific on Midway and Saipan Island with the Navy Seabees. Ken was honorably discharged in June of 1956.

On June 8, 1957, Ken married Mary Frances Pease at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Ripon, WI. While working second shift for Speed Queen in Ripon, he attended Oshkosh State College part-time for 8 years, graduating on June 3, 1967, with a B.S. degree majoring in geology and minoring in chemistry and biology. Ken worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1967 to 1977 in the fruit and vegetable division. In 1977, Ken worked for private canning companies until his retirement in 1987.

In Ken’s retirement, he enjoyed raising his chickens and gardening. Ken sold his home-grown produce at the Fond du Lac Farmers Market for 20 years where he made many wonderful friends.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Basel, of Ripon; four children, Kenneth, Jr. (Mary Beth) Basel of Ripon, Michael (Julie) Basel of Verona, WI, Joseph (Susan) Basel of Arlington, WI, and Steven (Julie) Basel of Ripon; 8 grandchildren, Kelly (Jesse) Domke, Thomas Basel, Rebecca (Kyle) Domer, Rachel (Alex) Green, Andrew Basel, Alisha (Terry) Van Den Berg, Alexis Basel, and Alexander Basel; 2 step-grandchildren, Paul (Angie) Chapa and Frances (Andrew) Herman; 9 great-grandchildren, Dominic, Mason, William, Hadlee, Annabelle, Virginia, Evelyn, Charlotte, and Aurora; 4 step-great-grandchildren, Payton, Preston, Bradly, and Allyssa; 2 sisters, Geraldine Bodine and Carol Ann Garcia; brother-in-law, Lester Pease; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Theresa Basel; parents-in-law, Lester and Frances Pease; brothers, Edward, Donald, Leo, Norbert, Gerald, Thomas Basel, and Edward Hartwig; sisters, Anna, Barbara, Patricia, and Margaret; sisters-in-law, Janet Schmick, Dorene, Justina, Mavis, Roberta, and Anna; brother-in-law, Rowland Pease; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Visitation for Ken will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Mass of Christian Burial for Ken will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Fr. Chuck Wrobel officiating. You may view a livestream of the funeral at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A private family interment with military honors will be held at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Oshkosh, WI. Memorials in Ken’s name may be directed to St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325; or the charity of your choice.