Air traffic control, radio sales, and music all had a place in Thomas J. Basten Sr.’s life.
Work and community
Born October 2, 1937, Tom graduated from Premontre High School in 1956. He spent eight years as an Air Force air traffic controller, leaving the service in 1964. He moved to Manitowoc in 1970 and later retired from WOMT Radio.
Outside work, he sang with his church choir and the Clipper City Chordsmen. His obituary also remembers hunting, fishing, and cheering for the Packers.
Family connections
Tom died May 5, 2007. His brother Donald and son Thomas Jr. died before him.
Source
Herald Times Reporter, May 7, 2007, “Thomas Basten, Sr.”, transcription hosted by Manitowoc County Genealogy; accessed October 18, 2026.
Family research reference
View this person in Tyson R. Mosby’s Ancestry family tree (exported October 18, 2026). This reference supplements the biography and family memories preserved above. Ancestry tree entries are family research; conflicting details remain subject to review.