Jerry C. Basnar

Jerry Charles Basnar, age 100, of Mayville, Wisconsin, passed away on November 12, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will take place on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Good Counsel in Mayville with Rev. Fr. Joe Dominic presiding. Following the service graveside military honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69 at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Jerry was born on August 25, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois to Paul and Marie (Skocovsky) Basnar. He was united in marriage to Lenore Mae Dankler on November 9, 1946, in Chicago. He was a member of St. Mary of Good Counsel in Mayville.

My Dad was not a big fan of long speeches, so I’ll try to keep this short. When WWII started, he joined the Marines and fought the Japanese in the Pacific. Upon returning home, he met my mother at an ice-cream parlor. They fell in love. Mom was Catholic so Dad decided to join her Faith so they could be married in Church. This is truly how this man was. He became very ardent in his belief in God and The Blessed Virgin Mary. When he became Catholic, he said the Rosary every day. It was very instrumental in his life and mine. He was a great influence in how I was raised, being a man of Faith. He always made sure after God; Mom was the most important to him. So, when she had a catastrophic illness, he turned to God. She was going to die when she was thirty-seven years old. She lived to be eighty-one. This is how I want to remember him. He never put himself first. He was a true example on how a man should be. It was a privilege to care for him in his last days on Earth. He has given me a Faith that will carry me through hard times and good times. I know I am never alone because God is my best friend and Dad showed me that. I know he is with Mom. He was asked by a caregiver, “What do you think Lenore is going to say to you when you see her?” His answer was classic and to the point. He said, with her hand on her hips, she’ll say, “Jerry, what took you so long?” I remember every night before they went to sleep, they kissed three times and smiled. God hold you in His Arms and thank-you for being my Dad. He was one hundred years old when he entered God’s Kingdom.

Jerry is survived by his children: Lourdeen Mary Robson and Jerry Charles Basnar Jr.; grandchildren: Noelle, Jackie, Michael; great-grandchildren: Jasmyn and Celyna. Jerry is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Lenore; granddaughter Angela; and brother Paul.

Memorials in honor of Jerry may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Mayville.