Erwin Jay French
Dimondale - Erwin Jay French 87, was born August 1, 1933 in Lansing, Michigan to Ernest J. and Lulu M. (Quimby) French. He graduated from Sexton High School in 1951 and worked for Schmidt's Super Food Markets. He served in the Michigan National Guard until entering the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He married Patricia Anne Lewis on July 9, 1955, and they enjoyed 65 happy years together. They raised two beautiful children; Susan K (French) Peck of Corvallis, Oregon and Mark A. French of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Erwin worked for National Cash Register Corp. (NCR) Lansing Branch for 33 years, from 1956 until retirement in 1989. He then spent many years doing what he loved best, by keeping busy using his heavy equipment to help anyone and everyone with their projects. In June of 2014, he was permanently affected by a stroke. While much of his mobility was reduced, he maintained his sharp memory and sense of humor. Because he enjoyed telling stories about his life to everyone who shared their time with him, to listen, he brought many hours of joy to family, friends and care-givers. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of New Haven Foster Care in Dimondale for their loving care during his 16 months residency there.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Donald R. Murray; sister and brother-in-law, Connie V. (French) and Richard Grosnickle; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Sylvia Lewis; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughter, Susan (David) Peck, son, Mark (Amy) French, grandchildren, Danny (Sreynet) Peck, Crystal Peck, Sally (Bryant) Bleth of Oregon, Harmony, Anthony, Madison, Markenna French, Kayley Moore, Summer Newsome of Eaton Rapids; great grandchildren, Dean Peck and Vivian Bleth of Oregon; nephews, Brian (Karen) Grosnickle, Andrew Grosnickle, Rick Grosnickle, Don (Debbie) Murray Jr., Randy Murray, Stephen Lewis, Alan (Carol) Lewis, Kevin (Denise) Lewis; niece, Nancy (David) Andrejack; sister-in-law, Lore Martin.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to many. He will be dearly missed.
Donations can be made in his name to either Mt. Hope Church, 202 South Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917 or to New Haven Foster Care, 230 Hoehn Ct., Dimondale, MI 48821.
There will be no service at this time. Cremation has taken place.