Michael J. Basner

MICHAEL J. BASNER Saginaw, Michigan Michael (Mike) James Basner became a child of God by his baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on June 12, 1955. Mike died in Saginaw on Friday, May 3, 2024. Mike was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on August 28, 1951. He was the son of James C. Basner and Arla M. (Robertson) Basner. He was survived by his wife of 51 years, Rev. Kathleen Anne (Parsons) Basner; daughters, Michelle M. Basner – Ketepa (David Ulg Ketepa) and Matilda Q. Basner; granddaughers, Lilean, Lovelyn, Samantha and Kathleen. After graduating from Bridgeport High School, Mike graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and then worked for General Motors for 30 years. Mike retired from Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems Plant #3 Materials Laboratory. During his life, Mike served of many church councils, boards and committees and lead many Bible studies for both adults and youth. For many years Mike was active at St. John Lutheran Church in Saginaw and the Lutheran Via de Cristo movement in central Michigan. Mike was a 30 + year veteran in the Boy Scouts of America, with service to three different Troops, as well as serving in the Saginaw District, including District Commissioner. He earned some of scouting’s highest adult awards, including the Lamb Award, the District Award of Merit, as well as Wood Badge Training. Volunteerism was a big part of who Mike was. And he volunteered with The American Red Cross, earning their Volunteer of the Year, teaching First Aid and C.P.R. and led the drive for the Blood program and many other church and community services. Mike was the proud donor of over 21.5 gallons of blood for The Michigan Community Blood Program. Mike was passionate about his hobby of woodcarving and was an active member of Tri-City Carvers. He carved many eagle head cane handles for the Patriot Cane Project, providing free canes for Veterans who served in active Theaters of War. The Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 501 S. Catherine St., Bay City, Michigan. Pastor Tim Jahn will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Wakeman Funeral Home, 1218 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, on Thursday, May 9th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Then at the Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Mike’s ashes will be laid to rest in Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a donation to Messiah Lutheran Church. Those wishing to express their memories and sympathies of Mike may share them on his memorial website at WakemanFuneralHome.com

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Michael J. Basner

August 28, 1951 - May 3, 2024