Leo Basler began his journey home on March 21, 2023.

Leo Arthur Basler was born to Adolph Florian Basler and Icle Leaura Cross on August 29, 1934 on the home place that was homesteaded southwest of Akron, April 2, 1900 by Adolph's mother. He graduated from Akron High School in 1955 after taking a year off as Adolph needed help to work the farm. Life was tough at times as dad grew to manhood but he never had any regrets for the strong guidance from his parents. He learned great knowledge from his dad on how to manufacture parts and problem solve a piece of broken equipment.

Leo married Mary Ann Charlene Hottinger November 26, 1955. To this union 8 children were born: Mary Lee 1956, Susan 1958, Ed 1959, Pat 1960, Carol 1961, Janice 1963, Danny 1970 and Alan 1971. They celebrated 55 years of marriage before Mary Ann's passing on August 30, 2010. Leo and Mary Ann made their first home on Leo Cross's farm, a granddad to Leo. In 1959 they packed up the family and moved to the Michael Florian farm so Leo could help with the care of Uncle Mike. They made this their home until moving to town in the fall of 2000 with Mary Ann's failing health. Dad stayed true in his wedding vows of in "sickness" and "health" by standing with mom through her many struggles with Multiple Sclerosis, doing everything he could to make her life more comfortable. Family times were very important to Leo, as the years wore on his duties extended from being a dad to becoming a well loved Grandpa and the last but not least a Great Grandpa!

Leo considered himself a farmer/rancher and jack of all trades. But most of all he loved his cows in good times and bad! Leo had his hands full with raising 8 children but always made time for friends, neighborly chats and the fix-it problems they had. Along with family and farm duties Leo sold Archer Oil, served on the Ag Advisory Board, Fireman's Board and Akron School Board and was a member of the Saint Joseph's Nights of Columbus. He loved to hunt, mostly for Elk, Coyotes and fish with his family. For many years his friends and him would load up in the fall and head to the mountains for a week of Elk hunting.

Those preceding him in death: his parents: Adolph 12/10/1990, Icle3/8/ 1992; wife Mary Ann 8/30/2010, sister Mary Leona 2/2/1938, brother Louis 4/18/1987, daughter Janice Frank-Tappy 9/28/2021, son-in-law Tom Frank 5/10/1996, grandchildren Alaina Marie Slusser 1/9/1984, Royce Hernandez 4/7/2017.

Those left to morn him: children Mary Lee Foster (Donny), Susan Basler, Ed Basler (Leslie), Pat Basler (Tracy), Carol Slusser (Rob), Bryan Tappy, Dan Basler (Laura) and Alan Basler (Shantil), 21 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way for 2023.

Father Marek will be officiating Mass of Christian Burial to be held at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Akron March 27, 2023 at 10:00 am with a full Rosary being said Sunday March 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm.   Interment to follow at the Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials: Catholic Church notating to Knights of Columbus or Catholic Cemetery

can be mailed to 551 W 6th St, Akron, CO. 80720

Hospice of the Plains, 100 Broadway St., Suite 1A, Sterling, CO.  80751

or Donors Choice