Elvin 'Al' Baasch Obituary (1926

Elvin (Manny to his family, Al to his friends) arrived and was raised in Tower City ND, the third of 12 children born to Josias and Helen Hyslop Baasch. As a boy, he enjoyed helping his carpenter father by precisely sharpening saws a skill he would win a state award for while in high School. 1943 Graduation from high school was held early so Al could enlist in the US Navy during WWII. Al served as a Gunner/Baker on the USS Goshen, an attack transport. Upon arriving home after his service, he learned his father had passed away during his absence. Al helped his mother and several younger siblings secure train tickets to Wapato, WA., the hometown of an uncle. Al could not afford to pay for a ticket for himself so he hitchhiked to Washington state. During a visit with older brother Edward and his family in Ellensburg, Al was offered a job at the place of his brothers work Ellensburg Telephone Company. Al would hold a technician position there for the next 42 years. In late 1950, Al met Venita Mason and on February 3, 1951, the two were married. Son Timothy followed soon after and two years later a brother, Daniel, was born. The small Baasch family lived on the Vantage Highway next to Masons Jersey Dairy where Nita worked with her parents and Al helped with odd jobs in addition to his regular employment. Looking for a pleasurable way to increase their income, Al and Nita opened Alnita Plastics (later Engraving) and served Ellensburg as well as communities beyond by making and selling plaques, signs, trophies, and later glass etching. This business was highly regarded and recognized throughout the industry being the focus of an article in a trade magazine. Al enjoyed membership in the American Legion, Moose and Elks Lodges. He happily and proudly served as Exalted Ruler of the Ellensburg Elks Lodge for two consecutive terms. Additionally, Al was a regular donator to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was a smart, interesting man; always opinionated and willing to share same, very loyal to friends and family, proud of his humble beginnings and service to his country. As the years went by, his temperament softened a bit thanks to good friends and neighbors, the Rick Catlin family, Noella Wyatt, Rob Foreman family, the Brunson family, Florencio Sanchez and special friend and companion, Reta Hutchinson. Regular attendance at Mercer Creek Church with Reta played a part in Als favorite saying, "Things Happen for a Reason Just Believe." Al experienced sadness at the loss of his wife Nita; son, Timothy; Parents, Josias, and Helen; Sisters, Darlene, Gladys, Delores, and Sharon; Brothers: Carl, Edward, Jim, and Tom. He is survived by sisters Mary Principe, San Clemente, CA, and Audrey (Jesse) Orosco, Jump Off Joe, WA., brother Marvin Baasch, Goldendale, WA., son Daniel (Molly) Gig Harbor, WA., Grandson Chad Baasch, Gig Harbor, WA., Granddaughter, Courtney Baasch Graham (Eric), Vancouver, WA., many nieces, and nephews as well as close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Brookside Funeral Home, 500 E. Mountain View Avenue, Ellensburg, WA, October 29, 2022, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Celebration of Life Brookside Funeral Home Saturday, October 29, 2022 1:00 PM 500 E Mountain View Ave Ellensburg, Washington 98926