Kenneth (Kenny) Grench

KENNETH (KENNY) GENE FRENCH

Elkader

Kenneth (Kenny) Gene French, 88, passed away peacefully at home with the love of his life by his side on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. Kenneth was born July 22, 1929, in Postville, Iowa, to LeRoy and Florence (Baldwin) French.

Kenny was united in marriage to Geraldine (Gerry) A. Shea on March 17, 1955, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. Together they had seven children, Terry (Dan) Sullivan, Dodgeville, Wis., Sharon Taylor, Arlington, Jeanne (Mark) Melon, Guttenberg, Cindy (Steve) Wendl, Anamosa, Jayme French, Manchester, Gary (Jennifer) French, Sydney, Australia, and Merry French, Aurora.

Kenny grew up in rural Elkader and tried not to stray too far from home. Exceptions to this include the time he served in the Korean War and a few overseas trips to visit his son. Kenny worked for the department of transportation for many years and farmed on the side. He was a long-time member of Peace United Church of Christ and the American Legion.

Kenny was a jack of all trades, completing woodworking, remodeling, plumbing and electric work for his children and friends. He was very particular about his tools and the work he completed. Kenny will be greatly missed by his family, and he will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; seven children; his grandchildren, Darrin (Katy) Sullivan, Lisa (Ben) Stewart, Kenny (Angie) Taylor, Duane Taylor, Aubrey (Josh) Dudley, Michael (Rena) Melon, Bridget (Paul) Ehrhardt, Molly Melon, Joe (Sarah) Wendl, Andy French and Christian French; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Claire Heck, Postville, and Arlene Lau, Traer; and brother Dean French, Dunkerton.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents and brothers, Ralph, Floyd (Bud) and Dale.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the church. Interment: East Side Cemetery, Elkader.