John Basarich

John "Yonko" Basarich, 78, of Collinsville, Ill., born August 1, 1939, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017, in Maryville, Ill.

John was a 1957 graduate from East Side High School, East St. Louis, Ill., where he played for the basketball and baseball teams. After graduation he furthered his academics and athletics at Huron State University, Huron, Sd. After college John played professional baseball for the Baltimore Orioles.

On February 13, 1960, John was united in marriage to Kay Christmann at St. Elizabeth Church, East St. Louis, Ill. He was a loving and dependable husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. He will fondly be remembered for being an avid golfer spending three days a week on the links, a very talented woodworker, a fisherman, a dog lover and lots of fun to be around.

John had over 30 years of dedicated service for Monsanto in Sauget, Ill., where he was an Instrument Electrician. He was a member of Collinsville Recreation Club, Knights of Columbus, Schlitz Ball Club and Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine, nee Antonovich, Basarich; his brother Jim Basarich.

Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years Kay Basarich of Collinsville, Ill.; his daughters, Brenda (Jim) Thompson of Glen Carbon, Ill., Leigh Ann (Wayne) Sauerwein of Bunker Hill, Ill., Mary Jo (David) Moutria of Granite City, Ill.; his brother, Alan (Penny) Basarich of Collinsville, Ill.; his four grandchildren, Jordan Dellamano, Devin Dellamano, Paige Thompson, Blake Thompson; his nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear close friends.

Condolences to the family can be expressed through this online guestbook.

Visitation: Friends may visit with the family 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services for John will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., with Father John Beveridge officiating.

Herr Funeral Home
Collinsville, Ill.