RUDI EWING BASECKE

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton. Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, funeral home. Burial: With military honors at Stockton Cemetery. 

Rudi Ewing Basecke, Stockton, passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, at age 84. Rudi was born April 24, 1931 in Rogers, Arkansas, to Bill and Edna Basecke. He graduated from Stockton High School and attended college briefly before leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy. He spent an extensive portion of his enlistment overseas in the Pacific Theatre in support of naval operations in the Korean Conflict. Rudi married the love of his life, Loretta Neil, Jan. 17, 1953.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years; two sons, two daughters and their spouses, Mark Basecke (Sharon) of Vista, California, Jeff Basecke (Lori) of Springfield, Debbie Lantin (Willie) of Rialto, California, and Christine Bartelt (Rick) of Columbia; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Rudi lived a wonderful life filled with faith, love, family and friends. He loved attending church, visiting children and grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Following his military service, Rudi and Loretta moved to Stockton, where he worked for his father in the cheese-making business, a trade which his father brought to the USA from his native Germany. After his father’s retirement, he was owner and operator of the Stockton Cheese Company (aka The Best Cheese by a Damsite) until his own retirement in 1985. He then worked for Hammons Products Co., Stockton, as Director of Trucking and Transportation until 1993.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lighthouse Christian Church. Online condolences can be made at www.brumbackfuneralhome.com.