Mary Lou (Turnquist) Basche

Mary Lou (Turnquist) Basche, 94, of De Pere, passed away on January 22, 2026.

She was born on October 10, 1931, to Ruben C. and Lucille M. (Krauchunas) Turnquist in Des Plaines, Illinois. She graduated from East High School in 1950 and went on to attend Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. On September 5, 1953, she married Robert W. Basche. They shared 22 years of marriage before divorcing. Bob passed in November 1979.

Mary Lou worked for the City of Green Bay as an Administrative Clerk for 23 years, retiring on March 29, 1996. In November of 2000, she returned to work part-time as a receptionist at her parish office, Resurrection Catholic Church, a role she truly enjoyed. She retired from that position on May 30, 2008.

Mary Lou treasured time spent with friends and community. For more than 35 years, she was part of a devoted bridge group, and she greatly valued lunches shared with police widows, as well as breakfast and birthday dinners with her long-time City Hall birthday group. She was active with the Res Hilltoppers and the Catholic Women’s Club and found joy in crossword puzzles, reading, staying current with world events, and traveling. Retirement brought her one of life’s greatest blessings - more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She delighted in watching them grow and was a familiar presence at their many activities and events. Throughout her life, Mary Lou’s strong faith in God sustained her and helped guide her through life’s challenges.

She is survived by her five daughters: Linda (Jeff) Larson of Green Bay, Julie (Joe) Compton of Green Bay, Diane (David) Anderson of Green Bay, Mary (Peter) Heyrman of Rochester, Minnesota, and Lori (Hank) Crooks of Green Bay; eleven grandchildren: Natalie Larson (Rob Bodart), Emily (Matt) Smith, Laura (Ryan) Baxter, Bailey (Jay) Jordan, Christopher Compton and special friend Stacey Lee, Stacy Compton and special friend Daniel Longoria, Jonathan (Ricki) Anderson, Benjamin Anderson, Melissa (Tom) Walsh, Katelyn (Nick) Espy, and Olivia Crooks; twenty great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Kathy Turnquist of Green Bay; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bruce Turnquist; sister-in-law Colleen Turnquist, and brothers - and sisters-in-law Tom & Marie Basche, and Jack & Mary Margaret Basche.

A Mass of Celebration of Life for Mary Lou will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, WI 54301. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass.

“To my beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren,

When the billions and trillions of stars shine brightly in the skies and one shines brighter than the others - think of me.

When the billions and trillions of snowflakes fall gently and one lands on your eyelashes - think of me.

When the billions and trillions of warm raindrops fall and one splashes on your cheek - think of me.

When the trees sprout leaves in the spring and one leaf falls at your feet in autumn - think of me.

When the millions of blades of grass push up through the earth and you lean down to pull one - think of me.

When the warm sun caresses your cheek - think of me.

When a warm wind wraps around you - it is my hug.

Think of me.

My love will keep you safe and warm always, and I will be your angel, always nearby.

I will love you forever, Grandma / Great-Grandma”

A special thank you to the Unity Hospice team - Becky, Gina, Tanya, and Nimh - whose compassionate care and support meant so much during Mary Lou’s final days.