Anita Louise Bassler

Anita Louise Bassler, of Dorrance, Kansas passed away on November 17, 2023, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, KS. She was 79 years old. Anita was born the oldest of eleven children on May 9, 1944, to Ernest Frank and Louise Bernadine (Bode) Pasek in Russell, Kansas.

Anita grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1962. Later, she attended the American Business College in Wichita Kansas. Shortly after she met Richard “Rick” Bassler who Anita claims “was as cute as the guy in my dreams.” They married in 1963 and began their lives together in Wichita before moving to Salina. In 1971 the two relocated back to Dorrance where they purchased the Old City Café and opened the very popular Why-Not Tavern. They owned this for years then sold to new owners. Anita then began her career working in a law firm as a secretary and paralegal trainee. She worked for Michael Holland’s Law Firm in Russell Kansas where she continued for many years until retirement. Anita was an active member of The American Legion Auxiliary in Dorrance.

Anita is survived by her sons, Richard (LaVonna) Bassler of Topeka, KS and Randy Bassler (Cindy Cain) of Alta Vista, KS; sibilings Joan (Tom) Weinhold, Sheri (Randy) Sloan, Kenneth “Pete” (Gloria) Pasek, Larry (Kelly) Pasek, Mitchell Pasek and Connie (Richard) Urban; Grandchildren, Jason Bassler, Amanda Hunninghake, Kayla Carboni , Kelsi Bassler, Sheyenne Stewart, Viktor Robinson, Coltin Robinson, Brad Pretzer, Kody Pretzer; and Great grandchildren, Connor Webber, Logan Hunninghake, Brody Hunninghake, Addilyn Fiehler, Bentley Hardten, Slade Perin, Jaxson Stewart, Rilynn Stewart, Amy Pretzer, Adrian Pretzer, Austin Pretzer, Bella Robinson, Ryelee Robinson and Newt Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rick, daughter, Kristin “Kris” Hoien; siblings, Ernie Pasek,

Sandy Karst, Steve Pasek and Theresa Niehoff.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 5PM to 7PM with Rosary Service at 6:30PM at the funeral home in Wilson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Dorrance American Legion Post #334 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 610 24th Street, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.