Thomas W. Bassett

Thomas W. Bassett, 97, of Palmyra, WI, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at East Troy Manor.

Tom was born on July 6, 1922 in Toledo, OH the son of Thomas and Anne (Furlong) Bassett. On October 2, 1948, Tom married his loving wife, Rita Marie Peiffer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Aurora, IL. The two would go on to enjoy 60 years of marriage together until her death in 2008. Tom faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force as a pilot and obtained the rank of Major before his retirement. After his service, Tom worked as a sales representative for All Steel Corporation in Aurora, IL. First and foremost in Tom’s life was his faith. He was a devoted Catholic and active parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Aurora, IL and later St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, WI. Tom also loved people and his community. He was a joyful and thoughtful man. His loving family also remembers his love of music. He always had a song in his heart. He very much enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years. For leisure, Tom liked to fish and row his boat on Lower Spring Lake in Palmyra. Tom will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his 4 nephews, 5 nieces, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by, his parents, his loving wife, Rita, 2 brothers, and a sister.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff at East Troy Manor as well of some of Tom’s close friends: Patrick and Janine Curtin, Bill and Dolores Van Duzor, Kathy O’Malley, Jack and Priscilla Standley, and Ann Konkel.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, WI. Fr. Mariadas Bekala will officiate the mass. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church. Tom will be laid to rest next to his wife in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery of Aurora, IL at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle & Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com

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