Merwyn G. French Jr. PEORIA - Merwyn G. French Jr., 89, of Peoria passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at his residence. He was born on July 8, 1927, in Page, Neb., to Merwyn Sr. and Florence (Heiss) French. He married Patricia Olson on Aug. 24, 1952, in Oakland, Neb. Surviving are his wife, Patricia French of Peoria; four children, Stephanie (Randall) Stauffer of Morton, Juliann French of Studio City, Calif., Sheila (Scott) Stauffer of Andover, Kan., and Allison (Robert) Montgomery of Washington; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Richard) Miller, Brandon (Erica) Stauffer, Natalie (Adam) Boeker, Nicole (Asim Sayed) Stauffer, Meagan (Chad) McKernan and Mikaila Kaiser; and nine great-grandchildren. Merwyn is also survived by his sister, Bette (Robert) Frels of Hershey, Neb.; his brother-in-law, Duane Dorr of Page, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews. Merwyn was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Lorraine Dorr; and brother and sister-in-law, Carroll and Tove French. Merwyn served in the United States Navy during World War II and in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He graduated in 1950 from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. While attending the University, he was a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity, Honorary Societies of Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta. He farmed for 10 years in Page, Neb., then became a farm manager and rural appraiser from 1965-1997 in Lincoln, Neb. He and his wife retired to Peoria in 2003. Merwyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria and of the Peoria Evening Garden Club. He was a 50-year member of Rotary Club and currently attended Peoria North Rotary Club. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Peoria. Immediately following visitation, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bob Phillips officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Army, following services at the church. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at Westside Cemetery, near Oakland, Neb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Foundation or the Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation. Memorials may also be made to the FarmHouse Fraternity Nebraska Chapter, 3601 Apple St., Lincoln, NE 68503. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To view Merwyn's video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com. logo Published in Peoria Journal Star from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2017
