Karin Basista

Karin Basista

Karin E. Basista, age 81, of Bovey, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, holding her daughter's hand at her home, after a hard-fought 3-month battle with cancer.

Karin was born in Geibsdorf-Schlesien-Kreis-Lauban, Germany in 1943. Karin and her family were relocated from her birthplace to Blibach, Bavaria and then to Weiden after the war. Karin received her education in Germany. Karin and her siblings did jobs as young children of picking potatoes and other odd jobs on various farms to help the family get by. Karin met and married Donald Basista while he was serving as an MP for the US Army in Grafenwöhr. They were married June 4, 1963. Karin and their daughter, Stephanie, came to American August of 1964 and Don followed after his military discharge. Karin became a US America Citizen in approximately 1969-70.

They made their first home was in East Gary, IN, (later named Lake Station, IN). Karin was a homemaker and mother to Stephanie. Karin was a devoted mom and friend. She started working with her friend, Eva Wiatrowski, around the mid 1970's at Flowers by Michelle, in South Holland, IN. Karin also enjoyed Bunco Club, Bingo and spending time with her friends. She also cared for her in-laws, Steve and Mary Basista, for many years until their passing.

In 1985 Don and Karin moved to Minnesota to build their retirement home and 1-North resort business. Karin also worked at Perkins Restaurant and then retired from Cub Foods both located in Grand Rapids, MN. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Kayla, cooking, baking, berry picking, fishing, hunting, knitting afghans, mittens, slippers and dishcloths, playing Bingo and visits to the Casino with family and friends. Karin worked very hard at learning a variety of things necessary for living out in the woods of Balsam, like stacking firewood, running 4 wheelers, and snowmobiles. She took pride in caring for cabins, doing minor repairs and customers who became like family. Karin hosted many fish dinners for those who stayed at the resort and many visitors. Some of the favorites were her fish frys and wild rice side dishes. Karin and Don were both awarded lifesaving certificates for a boating rescue near their home. Karin and her husband enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives throughout the United States.

Karin is preceded in death by her parents, Gerhard and Gertrud Posselt; sister, Renate Robison of Arizona; brothers, Gunter, Heinz, and Juergen Posselt of Germany; and in-laws, Steven and Mary Basista, of Gary, IN.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Don; daughter, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Jensen, of Chisholm, MN; sister, Ursula Xanders, of Fairfield, IL; brother, Hans Posselt, of Germany; grandchildren, Kayla (Joe) Schneuer, of Hibbing, MN, Timothy Erickson and Matthew Erickson, both of Chisholm, MN; great grandchildren, Hunter Schneuer and one on the way; special friends, Carol Knutson, the Strosheins, the Wiatrowskis, and the Lacos.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 2:00 PM funeral service. Pastor Timothy Yearyean will officiate.

Karin's family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support through this difficult time.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.