LILLIAN BASLER

Lillian E. Basler, age 86, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Mom was born on June 2, 1923 to the late Glen and Ida (Weinke) Spice. Mom married Arthur Basler Sr. on May 28, 1958 and he preceded her in death on August 7, 2007 after 49 years of marriage. On Sunday Dad took Moms hand once again. Mom was a cook for many years at the Valley Inn in Neenah and also at Michiels in Menasha. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and ceramics. She is survived by two sons: Arthur D. Jr. (Kari), Neenah, and DuWayne, Mount Horeb, WI; two daughters: Nancy (Bill) White, Georgia, Paula (Bob " whom she thought of as a son) Wichman, Appleton; a step-daughter, Debbie (Bob) Grunwald, Fremont; one brother, Robert Spice; and sister-in-law, Carol Spice. Mom is further survived by Dads brothers: Gerald (Joyce) Basler and James (Dana) Collins; four sisters-in-law: Florence Lambert, Clara, Ruby, and Ann Basler; 19 grandchildren; including a special grandson Brad, and grandson Jaydee whom grandma always referred to as a ball of fire; 7 great grandchildren; including a very special great grandson, Chrishawn, who made Moms last day at peace. Also many nieces, nephews, a special friend Ray Pitch, as well as other relatives and friends. It is great comfort knowing Mom is with the ones she has talked about for the last year and a half. Besides her parents she is now back with Dad, a daughter Shirley Zinda who passed on August 13, 2007, a son Dennis VandenBoogart who passed on August 31, 2008, a sister Marion Boushley who passed on July 28, 2009, a sister-in-law Audrey Spice, who passed on February 9, 2006, as well as five brothers-in-law: Bill, Marvin, Hercel, Harold, and Roger, and sister-in-law Rose Suess. Paula would like to thank Monte at Michiels for making Moms last visit there special. Per Moms request there will be no service. Not only did we lose Mom, but in a way we lost everyone who Mom believed was still with us; in reality they were not. Because of that, the family has decided to have a time of remembrance at the Star of Hope Chapel at Highland Memorial Park, for anyone wishing to join them, on Thursday, September 3, 2009 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM followed by the burial on the Memorial Park grounds. Mom, I love you for not only being a strong person, but for also making me strong, one step behind you. I have tried with all the strength I had left after losing Dad and Shirley, to make you comfortable and safe. Some people, I think already know that. You taught me to stick up for what I believed in and I believed in you cause youre my Mom. Dad would have wanted that. I love you not only for who you are, but for who I am, when I am with you. You have taught me the past year and a half that life goes on through listening to your words and spending time with you. Only you had a special gift within your heart and mind. Because of that, I love you more than all the therapy in the world would have to offer me. You gave me a piece of them back even if it was just for a little while. Through your words I was never alone. Words could never express the special place you have in my heart. I will truly miss you and will always love you! -Paula