Julie Marie (Waskow) Basten

Julie Marie (Waskow) Basten

Marion

Julie Marie (Waskow) Basten, 70, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. Per Julie’s wishes there will not be a service or funeral.

Julie is survived by her husband, David and her son, Kevin, both of Marion, Iowa; brother, Kurt (Jennifer) Waskow of Toddville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Julie was born on Nov. 10, 1953, at the U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, to Duane and Patricia (Barta) Waskow. She graduated from Kennedy High School in 1971 and attended the University of Northern Iowa. Julie had many jobs but eventually fulfilled her love of people and helping kids by serving as a school bus driver for more than 30 years, retiring in 2010. She truly loved all “her kids” on her routes.

Julie grew up with a love of all animals, especially horses, and after boarding her own horse at a stable in town for a year, the family moved out to the country to a small acreage where Julie owned two more horses and enjoyed the many rides and horse shows that followed.

In 1977 Julie married David Basten and together they, and Dave’s son Kevin, shared nearly five decades together and too many adventures to recount. Julie especially relished antiquing and collecting unique glassware. She enjoyed hunting for agates, fossils and artifacts, as well as the thrill of finding many rare coins while metal detecting. Essentially a modern-day treasure hunter.

Julie also had a passion for all types of games; cards, board games (Scrabble!), and classic video games, belonging to many game clubs where her naturally social self shined.

Julie loved going to local outdoor concerts. She was very passionate about growing and sharing her beautiful flower garden with others. She was very helpful in knowing where and when to plant something special and prided herself in watching them develop and grow. She shared that knowledge with many friends and family members throughout her adult life.

Julie had many close friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her big smile, tender heart and love for nature.

Julie was preceded in death by both parents, Duane and Patricia Waskow, and her grandparents.

The family would like to thank the many family, friends and especially the Hospice nurses and personnel who helped with Julie’s care.

Julie was a lover of all furbabies and we know she would be delighted with any memorials directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.