Michael D. “Mike” Basgall, 70, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022, at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
Mike was born September 29, 1951, in La Crosse Kansas, to Isadore and Josephine (Rebel) Basgall. Mike attended La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, and was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.
Mike met the love of his life Sue and was lucky enough to marry her on June 12, 1971. Their adventure began with a mutual love of camping, boating, motorcycles, road trips and each other’s company. Mike enjoyed live music and even played in a band during those early years. They started their family with the birth of their first child, Aaron, in 1978 and with the arrival of their second son, Christopher, in 1981, their family was complete. Aaron and Chris gave Mike a run for his money but he understood every investment came with risk and took time to build.
Mike worked hard for his family every day. He worked 41 years at the Otis Helium Plant, Otis, Kansas. After retirement he became a nationwide consultant for Cryo Technologies.
The fruits of his labor and big payout came later with his five grandchildren. They were the absolute light of his life and his heart beamed with pride. If you ever wonder what love looks like, it was Mike’s big smile every time he saw or talked about his grandkids. Michael left us far too soon. He used the last of his strength and his last natural breathe to call out by name each of his grandkids. With that Mike left us all with enough courage and love to last a lifetime and we will forever be lucky enough to have loved Mike.
Mike lived strong in his faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, Kansas. He was a third-degree knight in the Knights of Columbus St. Anthony Council 4166, Schoenchen, Kansas. He was a member of the Harley Owners Group.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Basgall, La Crosse, Kansas; sons, Aaron Basgall (Mary), Hutchinson, Kansas, and Christopher Basgall (Tara), Hays, Kansas; grandchildren, Tyra, Trinity, David (Natalie), Brooklyn, and Isabella; great grandchildren, Landon, and Luca; brothers, Dwain Basgall, and Gary Rebel (Susan); and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Ruby Rebel; and nephew, Gary Rebel.
Visitation will be Friday, February 11, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.
Church visitation will be Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:20 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.
Funeral service will be Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with Father Stephen Dabanka officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Joseph’s Heritage Fund, Liebenthal, Kansas, or the grandchildren’s education fund.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.