Claude Basten was 87 years old when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 24, 2024. Claude and his loving wife, Ruth, retired to Colorado Springs over 30 years ago where they enjoyed the beautiful view of Pikes Peak and picnicking in the mountains.

Claude and Ruth were devoted members of Holy Apostles Catholic Church. Claude was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, where he attended Saint Anastasia Parish until coming to Colorado. He was a great athlete who pitched on the Waukegan Township High School varsity baseball team and won a Waukegan City softball championship in 1971.

Claude worked his entire career at Outboard Marine Corporation as a Production Supervisor making Johnson Outboard Motors. He served proudly in the United States Marine Corps until 1965. Claude met Ruth while she was a nursing student at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, and they married in 1961. Claude was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers, attending the famous 1967 “Ice Bowl” at Lambeau Field. He also was a lifelong Cubs fan, especially enjoying his annual pilgrimage to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.

Claude is survived by his loving wife Ruth of 62 years. He was a loving father to Diane (Michael) Franks and John (Lori) Basten and cherished grandpa to Heather, Brian, Kristyn, Jacob, Anna and Ryan and 6 wonderful great grandchildren: Jackson, Eli, Allison, Emma, Sophie and Aiden. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Cecelia and two brothers, Will and Ray. He was loved by all and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2nd from 10:00 - 10:45 am at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Claude’s Memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.