Penny Jo Bassett

The family of Penny Jo Bassett is saddened to announce her passing on 9/14/25 at the age of 62 years. She departed this world sooner than any of us were ready for. Living her final moments as she had her life - with grace, love, and unwavering strength.

Born on April 27th, 1963, in Buffalo, MN, Penny devoted her life to her family. She worked alongside her parents in the family bakery before beginning a long career of 23 years in food service with the Cloquet school district. Penny also cared for many residents during her time at Suncrest Assisted Living, a role she carried with the same compassion and dedication she showed in every part of her life. She poured her heart into raising her children, nurturing her grandchildren, and supporting her husband, Clayton (Jack/Bato), through every season of life. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and warmth, where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.

The kindness Penny carried in her heart was limitless, leaving a lasting influence in the lives she touched. She had a gift for seeing the good in everyone and was the steady center of her family. Penny found joy in the simple things-pontoon rides on Big Lake, side-by-side adventures, warm weather, puzzles, and baking-all of which reflected her love for life's little pleasures. She instilled in those around her the values of love, compassion, and selflessness, always placing the needs of others before her own.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Francis and JoAnn Johnson; siblings, James (Doris) Johnson, Ronald (Paula) Johnson, Debbie (Steve) Fall, and Randy Johnson; her sister-in-law, Kim Johnson; and her mother-in-law, Mary Bassett.

Penny's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Clayton "Jack/Bato" Bassett; her children, Jeremy Nelson, Brandon (Callie) Bassett, and Haley (Chaise) Jokinen; and her beloved grandchildren, Rhiley, Eilee, Emma, Oaklee, Blayke, and Jaxx, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her siblings, Nancy (Dan) Manty, Dale (Polly) Johnson, and Danny (Matty) Schiff; her in-laws, Scott (Edie) Bassett and Rita (Tony) Vinopal; and her father-in-law, Clayton "Jack" Bassett.

In keeping with Penny's wishes, the family will not be holding a traditional funeral service. Instead, a private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life and the love she shared with all who knew her.