BASIL JACK LIBBEY

Basil “Buzz” J. Libbey Sr., 67, of Lansing, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at his home due to heart failure. Memorial services were held Saturday, May 27, at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon. The Reverend Lynn Groe officiated. In lieu of flowers, a memorial was established in Basil’s honor.
Basil Jack Libbey Sr. was born April 12, 1933, in Waukon, the son of Earl P. and Anna (Luzum) Libbey. He attended school in Waterloo and graduated from West High School in 1951. While a high school student, Basil was active in sports and other activities. During his senior year, he was named state pole vault champion.
Following high school, Basil served in the U.S. Navy from Sept. 26, 1951, to Sept. 6, 1955. He married Helen Otto May 11, 1955, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Following his military career, Basil worked for the Waterloo City Fire Department as both a lieutenant fireman and an EMT driver for 30 years. He was also an EMT instructor at Hawkeye Community College and volunteer for the Red Cross blood mobile. Basil retired in 1987.
In 1989, Basil and Helen moved to rural Lansing, where they spent their summers. The couple wintered in Alamo, TX. Basil enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing fast pitch softball, boating, going to auctions, and spending time with family.
Basil is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, Jack (Dixie) Libbey of Lansing and Mike (Vicky) Libbey of Burlington, WI; one daughter, Sandy (Bill) Lloyd of Harpers Ferry; nine grandchildren; and one sister, Barbara DeNiro of Orange, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl F. Libbey.
Honorary casketbearers were Charles Unertl, Gerald LeVeille, James N. Gruber Sr. and James N. Gruber Jr.