Kenneth Charles Basile, passed away peacefully at his home on August 20, 2026, surrounded lovingly by his three children. He was 85 years old.

Ken was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 3, 1941, to the late Michael Peter Basile and the late Inez Anita Basile (Panelli). Proud of his American roots, Ken carried with him the rich heritage of his father’s Sicilian family and his mother’s Northern Italian family.

Ken was a proud graduate of St. Agnes Grade School and Messmer High School. He later attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned an associate’s degree. Following his graduation from High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing a two-year term of service with an honorable discharge.

Ken was married to the love of his life, the late Carole Rose Basile (Wamser), for more than 60 years. Together, Ken and Carole built a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, faith, adventure, and a love of their home and community. In the later years of Carole’s life, as she faced her own challenges, Ken devoted himself to caring for her with the same love, loyalty, and commitment that had defined their marriage. He remained by her side, making sure she was cared for and supported through those difficult years.

Throughout his career, Ken was a self-taught entrepreneur. Early in his career, he owned and operated two Milwaukee-area bars and restaurants, the Ticker Tape Lounge Supper Club on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee and the Hideout Bar and Grill. Later, he worked as an independent sales agent and manufacturer's representative for several companies, building lasting professional relationships through his personable nature, determination, and ability to connect with people.

Ken and Carole shared a love of travel and adventure that became an important part of their life together. Their enjoyment of discovering new places and experiencing the world eventually led them into the travel business, where they owned and operated their own travel agency for more than 20 years. Their agency allowed them not only to share their passion for travel with others, but also to help countless people create special memories of their own. Travel became another reflection of the partnership they shared throughout their marriage.

Ken and Carole enjoyed an active, social, and culturally rich life together. Ken played many sports throughout his youth, including organized baseball and basketball at Messmer High School, and later played softball with the Hideout team in a competitive bar league. Together, Ken and Carole enjoyed tennis, golf, ice skating, recreational bike riding, and bowling in couples’ leagues. They also loved gathering with friends for evenings of cooking and cards, longtime members of couples’ bridge and cooking clubs.

Beyond sports and games, Ken and Carole shared a genuine appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. They loved music, dancing, attending plays, and watching parades together. Whether dancing together, enjoying an evening of entertainment, cheering at a parade, listening to music, traveling to a new destination, or gathering with friends and family, they found happiness in sharing experiences with one another and with the people they loved.

Ken and Carole also shared a passion for their homes. Together, they custom built two houses and redecorated two others, bringing to each a sense of tasteful style, warmth, and beauty. Ken took great pride in creating a welcoming home for his family and the many people who passed through their lives.

Ken believed in giving back to his community. He was involved with the Kiwanis Club, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and shared his wonderful singing voice as a member of the Brookfield Civic Choir.

A lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, Ken closely followed the Milwaukee Braves before their departure for Atlanta and quickly became a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers.  He has always been a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers football team.  His favorite sport was baseball earlier in his life which transitioned to football later in his life.

But above all else, Ken was a family man.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son. As an only child, he lovingly cared for his parents throughout their lives.  As a father, he was present and involved, doing his best to participate in his children's games, activities, and important moments, while offering encouragement, perspective, coaching and sound advice. As a grandfather, he delighted in being part of the lives of his grandchildren—helping with pickups and sleepovers, attending their events, and simply enjoying the time they spent together.

Ken will be deeply missed by his children, Jeffery Basile; Stacie Glaser (John); and Kelly Vieaux (Bryan); and by his grandchildren, Rebecca Basile (Jessica), Julia Basile (Darren), Monica Glaser, Michael Glaser, Maria Glaser, Alexzandria Vieaux, Chase Vieaux, Gabriella Vieaux, and Isabella Vieaux.

Ken was a pleasant and friendly man with a handsome smile, a fun and lighthearted personality, and an unmistakable presence. He had a fantastic singing voice, a love of conversation, and a way of making people feel comfortable in his company. In his younger years, he was known for his dark hair and round face; throughout his life, he took pride in looking his best, with Carole always making sure he was sharply dressed.

Those who knew Ken will remember his warmth, his dry sense of humor, his entrepreneurial spirit, his love of travel, music and the arts, his beautiful singing voice, and—most of all—his devotion to Carole and his family.

Ken leaves behind a lifetime of memories for those who loved him. His greatest legacy is the family he and Carole created along with the lives he touched, the adventures they shared, and the love he gave so generously.

The Basile family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to St Camillus Hospice and St Camillus Home Health Services  for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Ken and his family.

Visitation and Funeral Mass

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, in honor of Ken.

Ken will be remembered, loved, and missed always.