French, Sherman Queal 1892-1967

FRENCH, WALTERS, YOUNIE, VANMUYDEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 12/18/2016 at 10:23:10

Source: Hawarden Independent (12-21-1967)

Born: April 28, 1892
Died: 1967

Sherman Queal French, long time Hawarden resident died last Friday in a nursing home in Rock Valley where he had lived the past couple of years.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Associated Church with Reverend Herbert Young officiating. Mrs. Hal Shoemaker was organist.

Casket bearers were Verne Malletie, John Tilgner, E.V. Slife, Sr. , Henry Visser, I.R. Carslen, and C.R. Thompson. Interment was made in Grace Hill Cemetery under the direction of Dow Funeral Home.

Mr. French was born April 28, 1892, son of Bayard Taylor and Lue Walters French. He married Nellie Younie on January 18, 1913, in Hawarden and she preceded him in death on March 25, 1950. He later married Maria Van Muyden on September 11, 1951. She also preceded him in death on March 2, 1965.

He was a graduate of Hawarden High School and attended Culver Military Academy. He wrote sports for the Sioux City Journal and was active in the selection of all northwest Iowa football teams. He kept a detailed record of Hawarden High School sports which he updated annually until his illness and was awarded a life time pass to all Hawarden High School sports events.

He was also awarded an “Honor 1” lifetime membership at the University of Iowa for his sports interest. See Taylor, former sports editor of the Des Moines Register, mentioned Mr. French in his column many times.

He was a member of the Associated Church, serving at one time as Sunday School superintendent, was a lay speaker on many occasions, and served as state president pf the Iowa Laymen’s Association of Congregational Churches.

He owned and managed the French Lumber Company which sold to Ward Lumber in 1943, now the Hawarden Lumber Company.

He was the first president of Hawarden Chamber of Commerce and served as president numerous years. He was a director of the old Hawarden Athletic Association which purchased the Earl Moetor ball park site and helpful in raising $5,000 for its improvements.

He was a charter member and first of the Hawarden Rotary Club and was elected 25th president of the club. He authored several magazine articles and the open houses at his lumber yard were recognized throughout the area and the lumber industry.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Courtney Slife of Albert Len, Minnesota, Mrs. John Clark of Freeport, Illinois, and Mrs. Elton Tiegreen of Chicago, Illinois and 12 grandchildren.