Basil was born on April 22, 1934, in Morley, Mich., the son of Victor and Ona (Davis) Scharaswak.

He was a resident of Mancelona since 1998, prior to moving to Mancelona he resided in the Greenville area for many years. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5065 in Sheridan, Mich.

He enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

On Dec. 31, 1959, in Stanton, Mich., he married Shirley Huckleberry who survives. Also surviving are five children, Gwen (Steve) Flashaar of Missouri, James Scharaswak of Sheridan, Jane (Wayne) Knickerbocker of Greenville, Victor (Dawn) Scharaswak of Sheridan, Robert (Michelle) Scharaswak of Lakeview, 11 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a brother, Elmer (Martha) Scharaswak of Belding, and one sister, Ruth Badder of Ionia.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and three brothers, Donald, James and Raymond Scharaswak.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Visitation took place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, also at the funeral home.

Interment with military honors will take place in the spring in Chapman Cemetery, Custer Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.