John Bassett
John R. Bassett, 81, of Belleville, Illinois, died on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL, after a sudden illness.
John was born on August 30, 1930, in Peoria, Illinois, the eldest son of William W. and Martha, nee Robb, Bassett. He graduated from Spalding Institute in Peoria and attended St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1952. He then served in the Army Intelligence Corps while stationed in Germany. It was there that he met and married Helga Herrmann, and, upon his honorable discharge, they moved back to the States and settled in Belleville, where they raised four children.
John worked with his father in the life insurance business, later taking over the Bassett Agency, which he operated until his death. He studied for and received his master’s degree from SIUE and had a love of education and learning. He was a respected member of his business community, earning numerous awards for his sales and service as an insurance agent and financial planner, including life membership in the Million Dollar Round Table. He was a devout Catholic, continuing a rich family tradition, and a very active and well-loved member of the Cathedral parish. He will be greatly missed.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife.
He is survived by one brother, William W. (Janelle) Bassett Jr. of Danville, CA;
two sisters, Martha Vail of Dallas, TX, and Ann Bassett of Fort Collins, CO;
his four children, Paul H. (Janet) Bassett of Cypress, CA,
Robert J. Bassett (friend, Vicki Pohlman) of Fairview Heights, IL,
Christopher J. “Mutz” Bassett of Belleville, IL,
and Barbara A. (Tom) Stauder of Belleville, IL.
He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren:
Patrick and Annie Bassett of Bellflower, CA,
Alex, Andy, and Sam Bassett of Fairview Heights, IL,
and Nick and Joanna Stauder of Belleville, IL;
many nieces and nephews;
and his dear friend and companion, Zoe Braner.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Cathedral or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012, at the Cathedral, with Msgr. John Myler officiating. A private interment ceremony will be held that afternoon at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors.
Dear Paul, Chris, Bob and Barb,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your Dad and my uncle John. I did not get to see him much but when I did I enjoyed it very much. He was always here for us in our times of need when my brothers passed away. I hope you and your families are doing ok in this very difficult time.
take care,
Mary Ann (Mame)
Mary Ann (Vail) Burns, Plano, TX, 75075
Dear Bassett Family & Zoe, My deepest heart felt sympathy goes out to you all. John was the BEST BOSS I ever had the pleasure to work for and he made it so that each day I looked forward to coming to work. He was a good and kind person, boss and friend and I know as well as myself he will be missed by many friends and clients. My prayers to all of you in your loss. Love Tina Curtis
Tina Curtis, Shiloh, Il, 62269
Dear Paul, Bob, Chris, and Barb,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your father. He was always very kind and generous to me as your babysitter way back when. I pray God will grant you comfort in this time of mourning.
Peg Schorfheide, Corpus Christi, TX, 78403
To the Bassett family and Zoe, our deepest and sincerest sympathy on the loss of your father and friend. He was a consumate gentleman and I always enjoyed our short but sincere conversations. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Tom and Judy Vernier, Millstadt, ,
I was John's Master's thesis adviser at SIUE. He was a delight to work with, and I think of him often, although it's been many years since I last saw him. I sympathize with his family in their loss.
James J. Weingartner, Edwardsville, Illinois, 62025-3148
To the family of John Bassett and to Zoe:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your beloved family member and friend.
John was a good friend to us, fellow parishioner and Cursillista. We enjoyed many conversations and his kindness will never be forgotten. We will miss him.
God grant you comfort in these difficult days.
Tony, Sharon, and Rosario Gugliotta, Belleville, IL, 62221
Bob,Cris and family. We were very sorry to learn about your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Cindy
Tom and Cindy Feldker, Belleville, Il., 62260