Stephen Jerome Bassarear

Stephen Jerome Bassarear passed away on November 11, 2025, at his home in Park Rapids. Steve was born in Glens Falls New York to John and Rogena Bassarear.

As a child Steve and his family moved around to many different cities and states as Steve’s father was a world-renowned metallurgist. Rogena could make a home anywhere and this is where Steve learned his love for cooking and baking.

Steve met the love of his life, Cynthia, on a blind date in 1990 and they were married on January 31, 1991. Cindy and Steve made their home in Park Rapids where Steve was an experienced plumbing and heating journeyman, and worked for Park Rapids Plumbing and Heating when Denny Kurth owned it. Steve also worked as a CNA where he shared his love of food, and a retail associate where he used his gift to talk and guide.

Steve was an avid fisherman, loved deer hunting, especially his years hunting with the Hensel family, and anything that could get him outdoors. Steve enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his family. Steve loved cooking and baking, he will be forever remembered for his sticky buns and his famous chip dip. Steve would spend countless hours reading and listening to music and would share with anyone that would listen. Steve loved sharing his passions for baking, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Steve worked many years on a cookbook for his daughters; Karmeen, Anita and Samatha. This was officially completed in December of 2024. If you knew our dad this had to be in the right order, which took countless times of laying out on moms floor, many reams of paper and so many ink cartridges. Mom was excited when this book was done!

Steve enjoyed many trips to the boundary waters. His favorite was with his son Mike to Adams Lake. There were countless stories that will be shared for years to come by his children. Recently Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma would get to watch Kinsley after daycare which brought so much joy to PAPA. (the littles were the only ones able to call him that)

Steve was very proud of his son Mike's military service and the joy of watching Mike live out his dream of being a police officer.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Cynthia. His children; Karmeen (Michael) Robbins of Park Rapids, Anita (Charlie) Moorhouse of Park Rapids, Michael (Samatha) Bassarear of Cedar City Utah. His grandchildren; Nathaniel Dumond, Nicholas (Destiney) Dumond, Christopher Bricker, Madison (Zak) James, Paige Olson, Destiny (Ramsey) Sjolin, Kailey Sjolin, Gage and Gavin James, Charlie Moorhouse, Regan Bassarear. His Great-grandchildren; Lilah, Brantley, Kinsley. His brothers and sisters; Tom (Yvette) Bassarear, Jennifer Bassarear and Elizabeth Bassarear as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rogena and his mother-in-law Esther Litzau Feda, sister in laws; Jennifer Dumont, Carol Sperle, Linda Danks, Ann Pickett, and one brother-in-law Bill Litzau