Traverse City-Louis Anthony "Louie" Basso, 69, of Central Lake, died Wednesday morning, May 22, 2013, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded in love by his family.

Born June 30, 1943, in St. John, he was the son of the late Anthony and Emma (Cliche) Basso. On May 1, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart the former Marilyn Burns. Their marriage was filled with much love, respect and understanding.

After graduating from Traverse City Saint Francis High School with the class of 1962, he furthered his education by attending Northwestern Michigan College and later transferring to Michigan Technological University. It was there where he studied forestry and took an accelerated two year course in just one year. Louie remained proud of his accomplishments.

Heartache hit the Basso family when he lost his parents at a young age and became a legal guardian to his younger sister, Colleen. They always remained close, as he did with all his family members.

Louie was employed by theTraverse City State Hospital, until transferring to the Arnell Engstrom Children's Center in 1970 . He retired in 1993, after 23 years as a Child Care Supervisor 06. After the closure of the Hospital, he worked part-time at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer. He then worked as a corrections officer for the Antrim County Sheriff's Department; he later was promoted to Jail Administrator, with the rank of Sargent. This was a position he held proudly until he was forced to retire in 2010, because of serious medical conditions.

He relished the fourteen years when he volunteered with the Grawn Fire Department as a EMT/Firefighter. The last five years he was the station Battalion Fire Chief/EMT Specialist. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, as well as rifle and handgun target shooting.

Louie often said the most awesome person he ever met was Barbara Bush, who was a guest speaker at a law enforcement convention.

He will be fondly remembered as a compassionate man who was always reaching out to others in need. He will be sorely missed..

He is survived by his wife of 48 years , Marilyn Basso, of Central Lake; children, Deborah (Craig) Chmielewski, of Traverse City, Barbara (James) MacKinnon, of Acme; and Robert (Emily) Basso, of Dodson. Louisiana; grandchildren, Paige, Brooke, Cameron and Stephanie MacKinnon all of Acme, Elyse Davis and Hailey Jones both, of Dodson, Louisiana; Lynda (William) Freet, of Kingsley, Lisa (Billy) Sutton, of Kalkaska and Larissa (Michael) Ellis, of Aurora, CO; great grandchildren, Saxton and Dalton Freet, of Kingsley and Clay, Kyle, Jake and Ally Sutton of Kalkaska; sisters, Bonnie Fort, of Traverse City, Dolores Taylor, of Westland and Colleen Hathaway of Traverse City; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Louis Basso; grandson, Stephen; nieces, Mary Ruth and Tammy; and a nephew, Anthony.

Following cremation, a private graveside burial will be held at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at his home on June 30, 2013, (his 70th Birthday).

In remembrance of Louie, memorial contributions may be directed to the Antrim County Animal Shelter. 4660 M-88, Bellaire, MI 49615.

The best advice Louie ever received was, "live each day to the fullest, because there may not be a tomorrow"

The Basso Family would like to extend a big thank you to the staff of Munson Medical Center ICU for the loving and wonderful care given to Louie.

Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.


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