Kenneth James Bassett

Kenneth James Bassett, age 95, passed away peacefully in his home the evening of March 20, 2024.

Ken was born in rural Marion County, Iowa on May 5, 1928 to George and Mary Elreta (Loynachan) Bassett. He attended a country school until 5th grade when his family moved to town, then attended school in Knoxville where he graduated from Knoxville High in 1946. While in high school, at age 17 Ken joined what was then called the Iowa State Guard. He joined the National Guard in Knoxville circa 1947 and participated in that until the Korean Conflict began in 1950 and he joined the United States Navy, serving until June 1954.

While in the Navy, Ken met and married his wife, Donna (Anderson) Bassett in June, 1952 when he was on leave. After the Navy, Ken attended Iowa State University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1958. Ken and Donna relocated to Winterset in February of 1959 and remained there for the rest of their lives where they would raise their 5 children: Mark, Carol, Craig, Amy and Andy.

Ken’s first job in Winterset was as a GI Farm Instructor for adult farmers, then 8th grade science teacher at the old high school-turned-Southward elementary school. From there he became a 5th grade teacher and principal at Patterson (1961-1965), Southward Elementary principal, then junior high principal, all from 1965 - 1971, to eventually becoming Superintendent of the Winterset Community School District in 1971. Ken retired from the school district in 1989 but went on to work for All American Turf Beauty and Willow Creek Golf Course, then worked for the Winterset School District again driving a van to transport children to and from school until he eventually fully retired.

Serving the community was important to Ken, feeling that it was his duty to be very involved with local and statewide clubs and organizations such as the Winterset Rotary Club and the Masons. In 1984, along with a small group of other participants, Ken was instrumental in establishing the Winterset Optimist Club. He was heavily involved with the Optimist Club in varying capacities including Iowa District Governor from 1990 - 1991. He remained active in the club until his health began to deteriorate.

In addition to his job and civic duty-related activities, Ken enjoyed traveling, hunting, golfing, fishing, morel mushroom hunting and taking his family on summer vacations, to name a few. In later years he and his three sons traveled to Canada for what became father/sons annual fishing trips.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna, 6 siblings: John, Marvin, Harold, Ruth, Alvin and Mary, and grandson Arno. He is survived by his children: Mark (Kendra) of Altoona, Carol of Winterset, Craig of Winterset, Amy of West Des Moines and Andy (Carin) of West DesMoines; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no services and his cremains will be interred at the Breckenridge Cemetery east of Knoxville at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to his family (see below) for future charitable distribution.

For memorial donations:

Please make checks out to Carol Bassett OR Craig Bassett and put “memorial” in the memo line.

Mail donations to:

Attention: Carol Bassett

Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory

1823 N. John Wayne Drive

Winterset, Iowa 50273