FRENCH, Robert 1927-2020

FRENCH, MUSSETT

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 4/10/2020 at 08:39:34

November 26, 1927 - April 5, 2020

Obituary for Robert "Bobby" French

Robert “Bobby” French, 92, of rural Ridgeway, Iowa passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his home.

Bobby was born on November 26, 1927 to Selman and Martha (Mussett) French. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waterloo, Iowa. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1949 in the Seabees as a motor repair tech. He was known as the “Hot Shot Motor Man”. He then married and lived in California from 1951 to 1983 where he had his own motor repair shop.

When he moved to Cresco, Iowa, he operated a repair shop prior to retirement. He had a keen mind for problem solving when something quit working. In 2005 he married Valerie Borseth and together they lived north of Ridgeway.

He enjoyed watching old westerns and often wondered what it would have been like to live in those days. Bobby also enjoyed wood working and made many gifts for family and friends. His time in the Navy was also an important time for him as he shared and was known for his stories of his days spent working on motors there.

He was also very devoted to his faith and was a member of the LifeHouse Church in Decorah, Iowa. He loved sharing fellowship and God’s love.

He is survived by his wife Valerie, three children; Robert (Barbara) of Lancaster, California, Randy (Annette) of Arora, IL, and Suzanne of California, grandchildren; Robert, Ben and, Robert, Michael, Joseph, Alex, Daniel, Ruban, Cory, Katy, and Kyle, and great grandchildren Maddie, Bobby, Sebastian and Venessa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Darlene Hellman, sister Mary Rogers, and a granddaughter Rebecca.

SOURCE: Lindstrom Funeral Home, Cresco, Iowa.