Wanda June Bassler

Wanda June Bassler, age 89, of Oregon, OH, passed away at home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in Bucyrus, OH, on July 9, 1934, to Russell and Mary Ann (Wears) Erwin. She later met the love of her life, Ralph, at her neighborhood corner gas station, where he worked as an attendant. Later, they found out they were both born in Bucyrus, five miles apart and did not meet until both families eventually moved to Toledo, OH. Wanda worked the ice cream counter at Woolworth’s Department Store; later, she worked as a telephone operator and eventually helped run the family business at Buck Road Plaza. She was a devoted mother and wife and an excellent cook, especially regarding her chili dog sauce recipe. Wanda and Ralph loved traveling, going on cruises, and visiting Cherry Grove, SC, in the colder months. She was a member of the Cooley Canal Yacht Club and also enjoyed shark tooth hunting, and shell hunting and was affectionately known as the Olive Lady.

Wanda leaves behind her loving husband, Ralph; her children, Pam (Bob) Baldwin, Mike Bassler, and Randy Bassler; her grandchildren, Jessica Stroga, Joselyn Bassler, Zach Baldwin, Tyler Baldwin, and Jordan Bassler; her siblings, JoAnn Hayes, Mary Lou (Richard) Furrer, and Bernice Cardonick. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Catherine Grater, Opal Price Galvin; her brother, Eugene Erwin; and her brothers-in-law, Roy Hayes, Wayne Price, Dave Grater, Al Cardonick, and Harold (Irene) Bassler; and her sister-in-law, Evelyn (George) Cooper.

Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Greater Toledo Challenger Little League.