Zella M. Bastemeyer, 82 of Wagner

Mass of the Christian Burial will be 1:00 pm Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner, with burial in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner on Friday from 12 noon to 5 pm, followed by a 7:00 pm Rosary/Wake at the church.

Zella Marie Bastemeyer, daughter of Francis Patrick and Emma (Koupal) Kelly, was born January 22, 1926 on a farm near Dante, SD. She died Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Zella attained the age of 82 years, seven months and 13 days.

Zella graduated from Wagner High School in 1944 and then taught country schools in the Wagner area. She worked at the Wagner Announcer for a few years before beginning her career in medical records. Zella worked at the IHS Hospital for 25 years and then Wagner Community Memorial Hospital. She retired in 1989.

Zella married LaVoyd Kelland "Buster" Bastemeyer on June 23,1947 at Wagner. Three children were born to their union. Buster died September 8,1988.

Zella was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wagner, Altar Society, and a 55 year charter member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Zella will be remembered for her love of reading, working in her yard and flower gardens, and being a tremendous cook. She took great pride in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Jean Horner and husband, Ken of Estherville, IA, Jerry and wife, Diane of Sioux Falls, and Jim and wife, Pam of Wagner; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two brothers: Norman of Lake Andes and Marlyn and wife, Judy of Sioux Falls; three sisters: Alma Thaler and husband, Leonard of Wagner, Valeria Merkwan and husband, Charlie of Wagner, and Carolyn Castle and husband, Marty of Blaine, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Zella was preceded in death by her husband and parents.