Edward F. "Red" Baasch

1924 - 2011

Edward F. "Red" Baasch, 87, of Ellensburg, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011 at home. Red was born in Crystal Springs, North Dakota, one of twelve children on January 25, 1924 to Josias and Helen (Hyslop) Baasch. Following graduation from Tower City High School, he hitchhiked west to Washington State eventually settling in Ellensburg in 1943 where he and Frances Williams were married on January 10, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army's 158th Regimental Combat Team (Bushmaster) during World War II. Following his discharge, he returned to Ellensburg and began employment with the Ellensburg Telephone Co., retiring in 1986 as an outside plant engineer. He was a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodges as well as the American Legion. His hobbies included bowling, fishing, golf, and traveling.

He is lovingly survived by his longtime companion, Kay Hoff, two sons - Richard A. (Kathy) Baasch of Gig Harbor and Ronald (Linda) Baasch of North Bend; a daughter, Ky (Randy) Peterson of Union Gap, and his son-in-law, William (Bill) Schmitt. He is also survived by his three brothers and three sisters - Elvin "Al" Baasch of Ellensburg, Marvin (Norma) Baasch of Goldendale, Jim Baasch of Wapato, Mary (John) Principe of San Juan Capistrano, Audrey (Jesse) Orosco of Valley, Washington, and Sharon (Ray) McGriff of Spokane along with seven grandchildren – Kevin, Carlye, Tessa, Kadee, Krysten, and Ryan, and two great-grandchildren – Rebecca and Kevin Jr.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances; his daughter, Terry; siblings Carl, Delores, Darlene, Gladys, and Tom, and one grandson, Cris Baasch.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, February 25, 2011, 1:00 P.M. at IOOF cemetery followed by a celebration of Red's life at the Moose Lodge. Please join us in sharing your favorite story with all those in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, or the American Legion.

Affordable Funeral Care is entrusted with arrangements.