The Lord welcomed Kenneth Michael Bassett (Mike) on August 20, 2026. He was born on January 27, 1948, to Esther (Forsberg) and Raymond Bassett. His parents and siblings farmed in and around Currie, MN, all their lives. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary schools, graduating in 1966. He enlisted in the Army in 1967, becoming a medic and serving in Vietnam. He was very proud of his service and his ability to serve. Upon his discharge, he attended both Jackson and Canby Vocational schools for Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and appliance repair. He started his own business, making home in Currie. In 1972, Ken married Jean Neimeier from St. James, MN, having met her in Vo-Tech. During their marriage they were blessed with two children, Erin and Michael. They divorced in 1980. In 1985 he spent a year in Arizona, during a visit home to MN, he met Deborah Silvernale Reynolds, who was also divorced. Her parents, Robert and Maxine Silvernale were also raised in Currie, so the two families were familiar with each other. Ken and Deb became instant friends and Ken returned to Currie, re-establishing his business. They married October 17, 1987, at the little Presbyterian Church, with all their siblings and children taking part in the ceremony. Deb brought three children, Daniel, Jennifer and Cody, into the union. Ken discovered he had diabetes in 1972 however it didn’t slow him down. Like his father, he worked hard and was determined to fix anything and everything. He was strong as a horse, but mild mannered. He was always kind and honorable. Collections were his least favorite part of his job, often charging less than he should have. He would often join his older clients for coffee and conversation. He was often seen flying down the road, faster than necessary, with his beloved Bassett hound, Rosie, head out the window, her ears flying in the wind. His health took its toll and he retired in 2009. He enjoyed wintering in Mexico and Arizona in the RV, cruises and road trips, fishing in Canada with is cousins and spending time with family. He loved a good argument with his siblings, playing cards and telling stories of growing up on the farm to the grandkids. He was a devoted member of the American Legion, Currie Fire Dept., VFW and Currie Town and Country Booster Club. He stayed true to his Catholic upbringing; however, he attended church with Deb, out of respect for hers. Ken took a bad fall in January 2020, breaking his neck and back. He was hospitalized for months, returning home in April, using a walker and wheelchair. Life after that was difficult, due to boredom and his inability to fix things. Luckily, they lived with Deb’s daughter Jennifer and family, making it possible for him to be home a lot longer.
In October 2025, he was admitted to the MN Veterans Home in Luverne, MN with swallowing and choking problems, advanced diabetes complications and increased weakness. He never lost his sense of humor and enjoyed joking with his caregivers. Their excellent care and compassion made it easier for Ken and his family to adjust. Ken left us peacefully, after pneumonia weakened his lungs.
He joyfully joins his parents, grandparents, siblings and their spouses, Chesleigh, Lenore and Jerry and Jane and John, many aunts and uncles, cousins and his trusty hound Rosie.
Those who will greatly miss him include his wife Deb, of almost 39 years; brothers Herbert and Judith Bassett of Onalaska, WI and Timothy Bassett of Luverne, MN; children: Erin Baker of Forest Lake, MN and Michael and Kyya Bassett of Alexandria, MN, Dan Reynolds of Houston, TX, Jennifer and Gary Nelson of Slayton, MN and Cody Reynolds of Brookings, SD; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services was held at IHM Church in Currie, MN on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist was Patty LeClaire. The song leader was Matt Kopperud. The honorary pallbearers are his fellow Currie American Legion members. Interment was private. Military Honors accorded by the Currie American Legion Post.
Visitation was on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the
