Paul Basken, 79, Kewaunee, left us on October 3, 2026. Born on May 31, 1947, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to the late Clarence and Mabel (Duffek) Basken, Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Paul Basken, 3rd oldest of 16 siblings, left home at the age of 14 with seven years of formal schooling and a lifetime of work ethic already built in.

In his twenties, Paul purchased three dairy farms. In the late 1970s, he sold the farms to purchase 141 Speedway. After selling the track, he started ship salvaging / scrapping in Kewaunee under RPM Sales — Really Poor Men Sales.

Paul's life was a testament to hard work and dedication. He married his cherished partner, Jane Annoye, on February 14, 1981, and together they shared decades of love, laughter, and adventure.

Paul later worked for PBI for 18 years, worked as a painter, as maintenance at North Brook Country Club, and at Smithfield Packing before retiring.

Retirement never really slowed him down. He enjoyed fixing old equipment, going to auctions, running a hobby farm, and fixing and maintaining his son's rental properties. Paul enjoyed working — every day was a work day.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Jane; their children, Rick Basken (Melanie Shaw) and Amy (Randy) Peters; and his grandchildren, Valentine Stueck, Bailey Peters, and James Briggs (Paral). He is also survived by his siblings, including Joanne Scofield, Robert Basken, Arlene Marchant, Janice Basken, Judy Krcma, Glen Basken, Donna Wipperman, Rosemary, and Karen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mabel; his brothers and sisters, Diane Dysbals, Clarence Basken Jr., David Basken, Earl Basken, Debra Schultz, and Jerry Basken; as well as his beloved in-laws, Elmer and Helen Annoye.

A Celebration of Life honoring Paul will be held at a later date. Special thanks are extended to Haley, Alex, and all the caregivers at Abridge Care Cottage of Kewaunee, and to Krystal and Daniel at Compassus Hospice, whose kindness and support were invaluable in his final days. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com.