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Gary Base Obituary
May 13, 1943 - August 28, 2025
Rochester, Minnesota - Gary Lynn Base, 82, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota.
He was born on May 13,1943, in Wichita, Kansas, to Quentin and Vivian (Baxter) Base. Gary was married to the love of his life, Sharon June Mitchem Base, for 61 years. Their life was built on love, faith, and family.
Gary is survived by his children, Doug Base and wife Teri of Topeka, KS, and Daniel Base and wife Polly of Norman, OK. He was a proud grandfather to Lindsay Myers and husband Matt of Haysville, KS; Audrey Base of Springdale, AR; Brittley Hardisty and husband Peter of Norman, OK; Sam Base of Gardner, KS; Madelaine Base of Norman, OK; and Katie Voeller and husband Travis of Normal, IL. He was also blessed with 3 precious great-grandchildren Ava, Paul, and Jeremiah Myers.
He will be deeply missed by his brothers-in-law Stan Grecian of Palco, KS; Randy Mitchem and wife Kristina of Sedgwick, KS; Rick Mitchem and wife Janice of Wichita, KS; Joe Mitchem and wife Lea of Sedgwick, KS; and Karl Krausse of Wichita, KS, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
A 1961 graduate of Sedgwick High School, Gary went on to earn a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University in 1966. While at K-State, he was a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity, the K-State Glee Club, and the K-State Choir. He later dedicated more than 50 years to farming before retiring in 2010.
Gary's service to his community was evident throughout his life. A natural leader and a man of quiet strength, he served as Sedgwick school board president in 1973, president of the Lyons Club, and president of the Equus Beds Ground Water Management Board.
A man of many talents and passions, Gary was especially known for his love of antique tractor and engine restoration. He built a remarkable ¼-scale model of a 1916 Case 65 Horsepower Steam Engine. He was also a licensed pilot, a lover of the mountains near Lake City, Colorado, and an admirer of classical music and hymns.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Quentin and Vivian Base, and his sister, Patty Grecian.
Viewing will be from 2:00–8:00 p.m., visitation with the family will be from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Halstead.
Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Sedgwick, KS.
Memorials may be given to HopeNet or Youth Horizons, both in care of Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the St. Mary's Mayo Clinic medical staff, Rochester, Minnesota, and longtime physician and friend, Dr. Paul Davis.
Gary prayed daily for strength, courage, knowledge, and wisdom, and he lived his life with steadfast faith and integrity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Base
Sponsored by Wichita Eagle.
4 Entries
Margee Castle
September 5, 2025
Enjoyed knowing you at Sedgwick church. What a wonderful family. Remembering our time with you all in Lake City.
Pastor George Skramstad
September 4, 2025
What a great and gentle man Gary was to me while he and Sharon sang with the Voices of Central Choir many years ago. He was always so encouraging and committed to the choir and to me personally. His steadfast faith was most evident in his daily walk with the Savior. May God bless Sharon and the family at his passing.
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