William Edward "Bill" Bassler Sr.

William Edward Bassler, Sr., 79 of Battle Creek, MI died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, February 27, 2020. Bill was born September 25, 1940 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Donald Bradley and Lillian (Costen) Bassler. He was a lifelong Battle Creek resident, was a member of the Class of 1959 at Battle Creek Central High School, but received his high school diploma from Lakeview High School. At the age of 19 he started washing windows and in 1966 purchased Cereal City Window Cleaning Company, which he owned and operated most of his life, with his wife and sons. Bill was twice named Small Business Man of the Year by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. Bill married Jeannette Marie Green on June 22, 1959. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette on November 29, 1996. Surviving are his companion for 13 years, Ginger Aburn of Battle Creek; daughter, Tracy L. (Jim) Hudspeth of Battle Creek; son Todd W. (Chris) Bassler of Battle Creek; three grandchildren, Shawn E. Bassler, Tiffany, Billy Bassler; one great-grandson, Zander; two sisters, Shirley Sebright of Battle Creek, Betty Cary of Ceresco; and two half-sisters, Peggy (John) Weipert of Battle Creek and Marie (Warren) Marsh of Marion, OH. In addition to his wife, Bill was also preceded in death by his son, William E. "Sqeege" Bassler, Jr. on August 24, 2005; sister, Nancy Childs Tomki, brother, Donald W. Bassler and a half-sister, Donna Bradley. Bill was a member of the Rhema Word Outreach Center, Harper Creek Optimist Club, Battle Creek Rotary Club, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the P.N.A. and had been going daily to the Y-Center for 50 years. Bill played his guitar every day for the majority of his life. He also loved playing the Harmonica, Karaoke, cooking healthy meals with Hungarian Peppers, reading, bowling; and going on senior bus trips and dancing with Ginger. Most every day he stopped in at The Corner Café for fellowship and food. His favorite show was Blue Bloods. Bill will be remembered as a gentleman; he loved people, was very generous and was concerned about city and national politics. Friends will be received 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A funeral service to celebrate Bill's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2020. Committal and interment will follow at Reese Cemetery in Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or The Haven of Rest. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.