WILLIAM EDWARD BASS, age 75, of Rushmore, formerly of Milford, IA; died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD. He was born October 9, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia to parents, Augustine and Frances (Kidd) Bass. He was raised by his grandparents in Richmond where he attended school. After his schooling he worked for his grandparents in vegetable truck farming. He enlisted in the United States Army and served three years on active duty as a gunnery sergeant. William was united in marriage to Madelyne Gaylor and she preceded him in death in 1962. To this union two children were born, Frances Edwina and James Bass. After her death the family moved to Iowa where he worked in the sand and gravel business in Milford, IA and later Cemstone Concrete Products working throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin as a plant supervisor. William was united in marriage to Cheryl Nelson on February 15, 2003 at the Union Memorial Church in Milford, IA. He retired from working in 2007 and they have lived in Rushmore for the last five years. He was a member of the Union Memorial Church in Milford, IA. He was also a Master Mason and belonged to the Scottish Rite, York Rite and the Eastern Star. He also belonged to the Iowa Great Lakes Shrine Club. William is survived by his wife, Cheryl Bass, Rushmore; children Frances Edwina (Gordon) Hentges, Spencer, IA and James Bass, Milford, IA; two grandchildren, three step children, Ty (Gail) Runge, Spirit Lake, IA; Mandy (Rick) Richardson, Wallingford, IA and Todd (Janiece) Runge, Swea City, IA; six step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren; a sister, MaryAnn Flanders, New Hampshire and a half sister, Donna Dee Haberal, Royal, IA; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his great grandparents, William and Cynthia Bass and his first wife, Madelyne.