Ivan "John" Basic

Ivan "John" Basic, age 78 of Sterling Heights, died Saturday, July 30, 2016 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. He was born June 26, 1938 in Perusic, Croatia, son of the late Nikola and the late Kata (nee: Lulic) Basic. Born and raised in Croatia, it was in his late teen years that Ivan (known more affectionately to all as "John") emigrated to Canada where he began a whole new life. Following that huge step, the next one was more of a romantic leap when he married the girl who swept him off his feet, Miss Rose Ann Marelich. The two were married on August 17, 1963,…and just missed celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary together. Another milestone would come shortly after becoming husband & wife when John became a citizen of the United States of America. With opportunity brimming, and at a time when the automotive industry was booming, John grabbed for that brass ring and held on with all his might…and spent the next 30+ years with the Chrysler Corporation as a laborer on the assembly line. Each of our lives bear some sort of interesting story, and John's was no different. But perhaps one of the most profound facets of his story will be the memories of how he "ruled" when it came food preparation. From his incredible Chicken Soup,…to the mouth-watering lamb and pork he barbequed on the grill,…to the old-fashioned fried cakes (donuts) he used to master,…and oh yeah, his insanely delicious plum dumplings, John found great enjoyment and satisfaction is seeing his food bring smiles to the faces (and bellies) of all who partook of his creations. And they WERE creative masterpieces! Yet of all the "tummy-pleasing" delights he was noted for, none can hold a candle to the memories all will share of his place as the "Sausage King." John's smoked sausage was Da Bomb,…and he wasn't shy about keeping everyone well-supplied with his famous meat sticks. Then there were his grandchildren,…his little cherubs who will always remember how Grandpa had their favorite ice cream cones at the ready. Nothing says "I Love Grandpa" like having him hand you an ice cream treat. Woo-Hoo! And then there was his absolute joy of spending time up at the family cottage in Glennie, Michigan. Just the thought of "Michigan Up North" conjured up feelings and emotions that quickened peacefulness and serenity for John,…and it was also a place where some of the sweetest and dearest family memories were created. Escaping the concrete jungle for a taste of Mitten Heaven was right up John's alley. Yet of all that brought him life's greatest joys, nothing could come close to the love of family and the times they spent together. Family meant the world to John, and each reflection of will serve to keep his memory close for all who were blessed to know this wonderful man. He leaves behind a unique and genuine legacy to hold and cherish forever. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. John was the beloved husband of Rose Ann (nee: Marelich) with whom he would have celebrated 53 wonderful years together next month. He was the dear father of Kathy (Randy) Walters, Donna (the late Jim) Stahl, Nicholas (Melissa) Basic, and the late Michael Basic. He leaves to cherish his memory five beautiful grandchildren, Randy Jr., Andrew, Natalie, Gabrielle, and Krysta. He is also survived by one brother and three sisters. Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, August 2nd from 3-9 pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. His Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Please share memories of John at his memory book above.