In Loving Memory
Beatrice J. Basler
June 20, 1924 - June 19, 2024

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Oaklawn Cemetery
Auburn, Iowa
Private family gathering will be held at a later date.

INURNMENT
Oaklawn Cemetery
Auburn, Iowa

Beatrice June (Williamson) Basler died June 19, 2024, one day before her 100th birthday. Her long life began in Auburn, Iowa, when she was born to Wayne and Evelyn (Garnatz) Williamson.

In May 1942, she graduated from Auburn High School. Unbeknownst to family and friends, she had eloped in April of that year marrying the love of her life, Bill Basler, at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. They proved young love can survive by celebrating 69 years of marriage before Bill's death in 2011.

After graduation, Bea joined Bill as he traveled around the country serving in the Army Air Corp. They lived in 10 different states during his 5 years of service. Bill used to joke that he would call and tell her he was being transferred and she would be packed and ready to go before he arrived home. Upon Bill's discharge from the Air Corps, they settled in Iowa.

Bea had a flair for working with people and spent 27 years in retail sales. She especially loved her job at Books 'n Things - at both their Spencer and Arnold's Park, Iowa stores.

Bea will also be remembered for her creative talents. She was a seamstress, making everything from prom dresses for her daughters to baby clothes for her grandchildren. Her beautiful, crocheted afghans are treasured heirlooms. She and Bill always had a big garden, and her dill pickles were prized by family members and sought after at church auctions. Bea was an accomplished bridge player-known for her "Three No-Trump" bid. But mostly Bea loved to dance. She and Bill danced to Big Band music like professionals with Bea always dressed to the nines in her dance clothes.

Bea died in Overland Park, Kansas, moving there after Bill's death. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Bragg and son-in-law, Milan Bragg. She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl (Roger) Threde of Prairie Village, Kansas; son William (Debra) Basler of Mason City, Iowa; brother-in-law Dick Basler of Arizona; 6 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and special nieces and nephews.

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Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.