Jeffrey Thomas French

Jeffrey Thomas French passed unexpectedly on Friday, October 27, 2023 with his sister Roberta by his side.

 Jeff, known to those close to him as Bandit, was born on April 14, 1965 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Jane Marie French. Jeff grew up on the Ponsford Prairie as a child and attended school nearby in Osage. He went on to graduate from Park Rapids High School in 1983. It was as a teen that Jeff met his high school sweetheart Joanie Guethling whom he would go on to marry in 1985.

 After moving to Newcastle, Wyoming, Jeff took up work in many trades including as a diesel mechanic, managing an apartment complex, and construction. It was in construction that he found he could apply his skills and specialized in roofing work. From Newcastle, Jeff and Joanie moved to Atlanta, Georgia for new opportunities and Jeff worked as a manager for a roofing company.

 In 1987, Jeff and Joanie welcomed their first child Beau Isiah French. Jeff had a special bond with his grandfather Isiah whom Beau was named after. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to Park Rapids, Minnesota and they welcomed their second child in 1988 - their daughter Jacqueline Danielle French.

 Jeff would remain in Park Rapids for many years and during that time, he founded French Construction. He loved building anything with wood and was skilled in the trade. In addition to working on a variety of construction projects, Jeff found love in riding his motorcycle and the freedom it brought him.

Those greeting Jeff in the spirit world are his mother Jane Pedersen, the father who raised him Bill Pedersen, Grandmother Margaret (French) Davis, Grandfather Isiah French, Aunt Lorraine Leritz, Aunt Gloria (Louis) Fournier, Uncle Marvin French, and Aunt Linda Dormanen.

 Jeff is survived by his children’s mother Joanie (Chris) Pouliot, son Beau French and daughter Jacqueline (Ryan) Chase, and grandsons Lane and Weston all of Park Rapids, Minnesota; brother Jon Lague of Moorhead, Minnesota; sister Roberta Huber of Cass Lake, Minnesota; brother Dale Pedersen and sister Rebecca (Michael) Burns both of McIntosh, Minnesota; nieces Cynthia (Matthew) Shaw of Deer River, Minnesota; Autumn (Robert) Noonan of Bemidji, Minnesota; Teia and Kami Pedersen, both of McIntosh, Minnesota and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. His dog Bear, beloved partner in crime and friend will miss him dearly and was always by his side.

Jeff’s arrangements entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home, Walker, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.northernpeace.com

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