Charles W. “Charlie” Basta, 95, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A vigil service will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday June 20, 2009, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Glendive with Father Jolly Pathiyamoola and Father Shinnicki officiating.

Rite of Committal with military honors will follow in the Dawson County Cemetery. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Charlie was born on Feb. 3, 1914, the son of John F. and Ann (Moidl) Basta on the homestead of his parents at Union near Lindsay. He received his education in Terry where he also played football, graduating with the class of 1932. Charlie was in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in October of 1937 when he was given permission to return home and help his mother with the farm after his father’s death.

Charlie married Jessie “Lollie” Gurney on Feb. 27, 1942, in Chilicothe, Mo. After they were married Charlie and Lollie lived on the homestead with Charlie’s mother. While working for the W.P.A., Charlie met J.R. Fritchie, who needed a man to help him farm for shares. At that time, many farmers were anxious to sell their homesteads due to tough times of the 1930s. Charlie purchased a half section to start the “home place" west of Savage. Charlie was a very hard worker, spending endless hours in the field.

Charlie was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. After retiring, he made his hobby creating beautiful spinning wheels, redwood picnic tables and rocking horses for his family to enjoy. He also enjoyed helping his daughter Carol groom dogs, but because of his passion for the outdoors, Charlie’s main love always remained farming.

Charlie served on the Savage School Board and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John, Emil, Adolf, Joe and Rudy; his sister Helen Brost; grandsons Brian Pierce and Mark Basta; infant grandchildren Carly Bloesser and Dace Tombre.

Survivors include: his wife, Lollie Basta, Glendive; his son Jim Basta (Cathy), Savage; his daughter Carol Pierce (John), Glendive; five grandchildren,;15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at www.silvernalesilhafuneralhome.com