Gloria Basel 02/11/2026

Gloria Rae Basel, age 87, of New Richmond, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.

Gloria was born on February 22, 1938, to Ernest and Helen (Wegge) Rehder and was raised in rural Somerset, Wisconsin.  She graduated as salutatorian from Somerset High School in 1955. On September 21, 1957, she was united in marriage to Clifford Basel at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stillwater. Together they shared 39 years of marriage and built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Gloria and Cliff raised their four children on the family farm in rural New Richmond: Connie (Joe), Cheryl (Paul), Butch (Barb), and Jody. Life on the farm kept Gloria in constant motion—making sure the hired help were well fed and the calves well cared for—always with quiet efficiency and a servant’s heart.

She was a devoted grandmother to Christopher, Jennifer (Mitch), Alexis, and Reece, and a proud great-grandmother to Henry and Emma. Nothing brought her more joy than attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s musical performances, dance recitals, and sporting events—except, perhaps, defeating them at Phase 10 or Canasta.

Gloria had a lifelong love of gardening, Packers and Badgers football, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and card games. Beyond the farm, she worked as a school bus driver, at the Bass Lake Cheese Factory, and as a receptionist at Dowd Reliance Agency. Her faith was central to her life; she served as Treasurer of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Burkhardt, sang in the choir and participated in Bible Study at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Basel; her parents, Ernest and Helen Rehder; and her sister, Shirley Orf.

Gloria will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, indomitable spirit, and, above all, her deep love for her family. Her presence will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00AM. Visitation will be from 9:00AM – 11:00AM before the service.   Interment will be at a later date at the Boardman Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for supporting the youth programs and keeping the Cross Garden beautiful. 

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.