Dorothy (Magnuson) Basten

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Basten

Dorothy (Magnuson) Basten, age 90, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023. She was born on June 5, 1933, in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin.  Dorothy moved to Green Bay as a child and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1951.  After graduation, Dorothy began her career at Retail Credit Company, and shortly thereafter, she met her future husband, Richard Basten, in Green Bay and exchanged many letters with him while he was stationed in Germany serving his country in the U.S. Army.

On January 25, 1958, as the snow fell heavily over Green Bay, Dorothy and Richard were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Dorothy and Richard shared 56 years of marriage and were blessed with four children.  They enjoyed travel and spent many memorable moments over the years at their family cottage on Star Lake in northern Wisconsin, as well as winters at their vacation home in Florida.

Early in their marriage, Dorothy and Richard established a custom family home building business, and Dorothy obtained her realtor license along with Richard and served for a time as President of the Brown County Home Builder’s Women’s Auxiliary.

Dorothy was very active in her community and spent several years volunteering with the Green Bay Junior Women’s Club.  She also hosted numerous parties over the years as a Mary Kay beauty consultant, taking pride in making others feel beautiful on the outside as well as the inside.

Dorothy's life was a tapestry of love and dedication. As a homemaker, she poured her heart into creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. Her care and nurturing spirit were the cornerstone of her household, where love, laughter, and shared moments formed the heart of her family's life.

Beyond her role as a devoted mother and grandmother, Dorothy had a vibrant and multifaceted life rooted in faith. As a long-time member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Dorothy enjoyed singing in the choir and sewing quilts for those in need as part of Calvary’s quilting club. Dorothy's seamstress skills were legendary, and she had a talent for turning fabric into works of art. Her quilted creations were a source of joy and admiration for all who witnessed them.

In the kitchen, Dorothy’s baking and cooking skills were unparalleled, and her home was a haven of delicious aromas and flavors. She delighted in preparing meals for her loved ones, sharing her recipes and traditions that will be cherished for generations.  Nobody ever left Dorothy’s home hungry!

Dorothy and Richard were among the frozen fans at the Ice Bowl and were devoted Green Bay Packers season ticket holders for decades. Dorothy was extremely proud to be a Packers shareholder for years and always attended the annual shareholder meeting. She loved her Green Bay Packers and never missed a game, either at Lambeau or cheering loudly while watching at home!

In her later years, Dorothy remained active at Woodside Oaks Senior Apartments, where she made wonderful friendships.  She enjoyed playing card games, reading books, attending church, and participating in activities with fellow residents and staff.

Dorothy is reunited in peace with her parents, Harold and Thyra Magnuson; her brother, Roger; her beloved husband, Richard Basten, and her son, Daniel. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her daughters, Sharon Gruman (Joel) and Amy Weum (Matt), and her son, Steven Basten; her cherished grandkids: Jennifer Basten, Amanda Gunnlaugsson (Lance), Andrew Gruman, Marlayna Johnson (Derich), and Brock and Tyler Weum, as well as her adored great-grandchildren: Rowen, Layton, Bria, and Tenneleigh.

A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Rd. in Green Bay. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00am until the funeral service at 12 noon with Pastor Jerry Mansholt officiating.  A luncheon for family and friends will follow at the church.  Dorothy will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter would be appreciated.

Dorothy's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated nurses and staff at her nursing home for their loving care and to Autumn and Karen for their kind assistance in her final years.

Dorothy's light may have dimmed, but her love, spirit, and the enduring memories she created will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy (Magnuson) Basten, please visit our floral store.