George Bassett

George Norbert Bassett was born October 24, 1925 in Minneapolis MN., to George E Bassett and Lilian (Perrizo) Bassett. He was baptized at the Church of the Incarnation, near their home in Minneapolis. 

When he was only five years old, his father passed away, his family then moved to Blue Earth to live with his maternal grandparents. He attended school in Blue Earth graduating in 1943. From 1944-46 George served in the U.S. Army Air corps stationed in Italy. In Italy he was able to trade his cigarette rations for art lessons, which were pivotable and inspired a love of art. Upon his return from overseas, George studied art and biology at the College of St. Thomas. 

In 1949 George married a high school classmate, Irene Oelke at St. Peter and Paul Catholic church. Together they raised their family at Riverside farm and spent 70 years together. He enjoyed those years on the farm raising livestock, gardening, tending to the apple orchard, the wildlife and fishing from the river he could see from the house.

In 1960 he completed his teaching degree from Mankato State. For the next 15 years he taught at many schools throughout the area, including Granada School. During these years he established himself as a sculptor using the lost wax technique creating bronze works. George was diligent in his art practice and could easily be found in the art studio until dark. When he moved to Parker Oaks, he continued his practice until the end. He found full expression in bronze work. Most notably, he created the bronze busts of Hubert Humphrey, Martin Luther King and Sigurd Olson displayed at the state capitol. His artwork can be found locally and nationally. 

George was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Blue Earth. He was proud of his French-Canadian heritage, and his distant relative, St. Andre Bessette of Canada. George was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, and was also active in the V.F.W. and American Legion. 

George is survived by his children, George {Nancy} Bassett of White Bear Lake, Michele {David} Stahlmann of New Hope, Sam {Michelle} Bassett of Maplewood, and Suzanne {Paul} Hofrenning of Edina, 12 grandchildren, Angela, Dan, Valerie, Frank, Nathan, Elizabeth, Jacqueline, Susanna, Mitchel, Philip, Matthew and Lilian; 9 great-grandchildren, Noah, Spencer, Jenna, Julia, Eloise, Gemma, Georgia, Korben and Colette, many nieces, nephews and relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Lilian Bassett, wife Irene, sister Lucile and infant son Mitchell John.

Our family deeply appreciates the love and support of Dr. Johnson, the Blue Earth Hospice and the Parker Oaks staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church or Calvary Cemetery would be appreciated.