Robert Earl French,(Frenchie) 87, Born to Victor and Myrtle French in Plainfield, New Jersey on September 15, 1925, passed away July 25, 2013 near his home in Dade City, Florida surrounded by his wife, Rosemary (Kasel) and his loving children.
After growing up in New Jersey, Bob served in the United States Army and as a Merchant Marine during World War II. He did miss his last mission with acute appendicitis which actually saved his life. His ship was sunk and all aboard were lost. Upon his discharge, he traveled with his best friend and fellow seaman, Izzy Fasel to Kingsley, Michigan. There he met and later married Rita Irene Pahl on November 27, 1948. They had seven children and were married for forty-four years. Bob’s training as a mechanic while in the military led him to his career working for Ford, General Motors, and Grand Traverse Diesel. This was not just a career for Bob but was a lifelong passion. His children remember him bringing home many toys for them to play with such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, go-carts and mini-bikes. Most were inoperable until Bob put his magical hands to work. There wasn’t anything that he could not repair. “Dead Eye” was also an avid hunter and he loved to drive spending many years driving a “Big Rig”.
After the passing of his first wife, Rita, he spent his retirement years in Dade City, Florida. There he met and married Rosemary Kasel on August 9, 2002. They had many friends and enjoyed an active social life. He learned to play golf at age 80. He had a natural ability for the game and it became a passion for him. His proudest moment on the golf course was when he got a hole in one. In his retirement community, Bob will be remembered as a good man and the guy who could fix anything.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rita, and brother Vern.
Bob is survived by his wife Rosemary and his seven children :Sally(Steve)Nagy, Tom(Peggy)French, Nancy(Roger)Michels, Christy(Dave)Courtad, Steve(Linda)French, Holly(Jeff)Carlson, Joni(Marco)Marcantoni. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 step-children, 8 step grandchildren, and 3 step great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Traverse City on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10:00am followed by a mass at 11:00AM. A lunch reception will follow to celebrate “Frenchie’s” life.
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