Ernest E. Bassi

Ernest E. Bassi passed away peacefully on the evening of May 28th surrounded by his family. Ernest was born on June 23rd 1923 in his grandfather's home in Hennepin. He was the first child of Ernesto and Mary (Platt) Bassi. Ernest is survived by his sister Maxine Bassi, his daughters Merry Bassi, Sally (James) Fassino, and Laurie Bassi (Herb Rubenstein), four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Ernest piloted a B-25 during World War II based in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he attended Knox College, where he met his wife Juanita Erickson. They married on July 17, 1948, in Chicago. Juanita preceded him in death on October 18, 2005. He worked at Putnam County Bank in Hennepin for forty-two years. He was an active member of community, serving on many boards. He served on the school board during the consolidation of the Putnam County Unit 535 School District. Ernest and Juanita enjoyed traveling the world, visiting all seven continents. They traveled with their grandchildren throughout the United States and later around the world. He also traveled with his dear friends Bob and Sharon Clausen, and later was a steady companion to Bob during his illness. In his later years, he was an enthusiastic babysitter of his great grandchildren, a time he referred to as a high point in his life sharing with them his love of travel and airplanes. Ernest loved flying his Stearman biplane with his friend Edgar Read; they enjoyed over thirty years of flying together. They often received the oldest pilots and oldest plane award at fly-in breakfasts. His Stearman was a common sight over Hennepin. Many people enjoyed flights with him in the Stearman, most of all, his daughter Merry. His family and friends were blessed to have him in their lives. He will be dearly missed by many. Memorials may be directed to the Putnam County Food Pantry, Putnam County District Library and the Putnam County Educational Foundation. On line condolences may be made to Ernest's family at www.dcfunerals.com

Service/Memorial Information

A visitation will be held Sunday, June 1st from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel 206 S. McCoy St., Granville, IL. The memorial service will begin at 4:30 PM officiated by Pastor Carol Stufflebeam at Dysart-Cofoid's. Immediately following the women of the church will host a gathering and meal at the Hennepin United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall.

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