Rolf Basler

Rolf Basler, 75, of Salisbury, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018. He was born in Stuttgart, Germany and immigrated to the United States at age 13 in 1955. Rolf was proud of his family and especially proud of his country and the opportunities it provided. As a young man he served in the Army, which provided a strong foundation for his career managing manufacturing companies in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. After retiring in 2002, Rolf and Beverly enjoyed traveling for many years. They also enjoyed time at the beach in Delaware and Florida, and until recently at their home at Lake James, Morganton, North Carolina. A loving husband, father, and family man, Rolf will be remembered as a generous, passionate, and hard working man. He was especially enthusiastic when encouraging young people to improve themselves through education. This was due in part to his needing to drop out of high school to help his father in the fur business then completing high school and college at night while working. He was a strong advocate for the American Dream through education and hard work. Rolf volunteered with several organizations such as serving as a Board of Director for the Children's Home in Easton, Pa., member of the Board for St. Vincent DePaul Pharmacy, active with the Burke County United Ministries Soup Kitchen and Habitat for Humanities in Morganton. Rolf is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Beverly who he met in New Jersey when they were 15 years old. He is also survived by his brother, Michael and wife Linda. Rolf is the father of Dwayne (Maureen) of Old Lyme, Conn., and Robert (Jennifer) of Lancaster, Pa.; and grandfather to Patrick, Colin, Brendan, Grace, Ben, and Paige. He will be missed by his family and friends at Trinity Oaks and Lake James. Visitation and Service: The family will gather with friends from 10-11 a.m., Monday, March 12, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., in the church; officiated by Father Lucas Rossi. Following the service a reception will be held at Trinity Oaks. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Basler family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.