Alvin C. Basse

Basse, Alvin C. Age 80, of Muskego, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013. Loving husband of over 55 years, to Carolyn (née King). Beloved father of Daniel (Jean) Basse, Gloria (Melissa) Basse, Linda (Max) Wenck and Roger (Becky) Basse. Proud grandfather of Blake, Alec, Taylor, Sarah, Adam, Austin, Evan and Andrea. Dear brother to Ruth Klussendorf. Brother-in-law to Judy Basse, Jack (Bernice) King and Dean (Marilyn) King. Further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents William and Rose Basse, his brother Robert Basse, brother-in-law Delbert Klussendorf and sister's grandson Brian Hirsh. Alvin loved to grow things. He was a farmer, a father and a friend to all. For more than 50 years, Alvin managed Guernsey Grove Farm where he raised Guernsey dairy cows. Besides milking twice a day, every day, he showed his prized cattle at local fairs as well as the Wisconsin State Fair and World Dairy Expo. The milk was shipped to Golden Guernsey Dairy, where his parents were founders and he served as Chairman and President as the dairy cooperative grew under his leadership. Locally, Alvin was known for his ability to grow some of the "best" sweet corn, apples and pumpkins around. Initially, from a "little white stand" on the front lawn of his home that later grew into Basse's Country Delight farm market. If you knew Alvin, you know the fruit he produced was far sweeter than just fruits and vegetables. He planted seeds of faith and friendship throughout his life. Alvin was a man of deep faith and great love of family and friends. He was a lifetime member, elder and past president of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Hales Corners. He was a graduate of Waukesha High School. He was honored into Master Farmers of Wisconsin and held various offices including president. Alvin was a past director of the American Guernsey Cattle Club and the National Milk Producers Federation. He served on the board of directors for Rural Mutual Insurance and was past president of the Waukesha Co. Agri-business Organization. As a young adult, he initiated the Yorkshire Association of Wisconsin, and enjoyed serving as a 4-H leader for 35 years as well as being an active FFA member. Alvin was on the Planning Commission of Muskego and a proud Army veteran, serving in Germany. Visitation in the Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, 2013, from 4 to 8 PM. Additional visitation at EMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (10627 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, WI) on Friday, May 31, 2013, from 10 to 11 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Burial with full military honors will be in Arlington Park Cemetery.