A LIFE REMEMBERED

Leonard "Len" E. French of Freeport, IL, age 87, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 4, 2024.  He was born on April 14, 1937, in Joliet, IL, to Edward and Mary (Davy) French.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University (NIU) and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College.  As an educator and principal in Freeport School District 145, he served his community for 38 years.  He married Mary M. Shostrom on September 20, 1959, in Mazon, Illinois, and together they built a life and a family.

Len is remembered for being a family man with a great sense of humor.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Freeport for over 60 years, serving as a Trustee and in other capacities.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 208 of Wilmington, IL, and Perseverance Lodge 1836 No. 366.  He loved spending time with his family outdoors, enjoying camping, hunting, fishing, and rendezvousing which keeps alive the traditions, dress, and lifestyle of post-Revolutionary frontier America.  He was a member of the Eagles 679 Sportsman Association, the Old Northwest Company, and was a charter member of the Rock Run Long Rifle Association.  Len was an accomplished athlete.  He played basketball at Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, IL, and then at Bradley University and NIU.  During the 1960s, he played for the Freeport Micros, an interstate amateur baseball league.

Len is survived by his brother Davy (Priscilla) French of Eureka, MT, and beloved wife for 64 years, Mary, of Freeport, IL.  Len and Mary have four children, Dawn (Arturo III) Alvarez of Campton Hills, IL; Debra (Michael) Houston of Roscoe, IL; Brian French and Barry French both of Freeport, IL.  They also have six grandchildren, Robert John "RJ" (Kayse) Knapp of Houston, TX; Mitchell J. (Claire) Houston of Columbus, IN; Rachel Houston of Littleton, CO; Adreanna Alvarez, Elena Alvarez, and Natahlea Alvarez of Campton Hills, IL.  Len's legacy also includes four great-grandchildren, Bethanny, Suzanne, Michael, and Jordan Knapp of Houston, TX.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Freeport, IL, followed by a brief Masonic service and a memorial service at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the First United Methodist Church of Freeport and FHN Hospice.  The family would like to thank the staff at FHN Hospice who provided comfort and support.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com .

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