Howard French

Visitation

Friday, September 4, 2009after 5:00 PMOhde Funeral HomeManning, Iowa

Funeral Service

Saturday, September 5, 200910:30 AM

Zion Lutheran ChurchManning, Iowa

Rev. Paul Frank, Officiating

Congregational Hymns

 How Great Thou Art?   Amazing Grace?

I Know That My Redeemer Lives?

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God?

Carolyn Kerkhoff, Organist

Interment

Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa

    Howard Odel, son of Ed and Ethel M. (Alwill) French, was born November 30, 1917, on a farm southwest of Manning in Shelby County, Iowa. Howard grew up on that same farm and attended Jefferson #7 rural school. While in country school he met his first and only girl friend Arlene R. Polzin. They were united in marriage on February 8, 1940 at the home of Arlenes parents in Audubon County. Four children were born to this union

   Howard and Arlene made their home on a farm in Polk Township in Shelby County before settling on a farm in Jefferson Township. In the late 1980s they retired from farming but stayed living on the home place south of Manning, near Irwin. Howards son Carl started farming with him in 1974. Howard enjoyed all aspects of farming, especially working with cattle, and considered it his hobby as well as his livelihood. Howard and Arlene enjoyed fishing at Leach Lake in Minnesota and playing cards with family and friends. Howard was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township and continued his interest in the church even after it was moved into Manning and he had transferred his membership to Zion Lutheran Church in Manning.

   Arlene became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in 1995 after suffering a stroke and her health began to fail and she died on May 1, 2003. Howard continued to live on the farm until he was no longer able to live alone and drive. He moved to the Manning Plaza in September of 2006. Howard enjoyed the activities, the food and visiting with friends while he was able. Howards health began to seriously deteriorate in August of 2009 and he died at the Manning Plaza early Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 3 days.

   Preceding Howard in death are his parents, wife, stillborn daughter and sister Florence Larsen.

   He is survived by his three children: Karie Marie Graham of Omaha, NE; Ruth Ann and husband Michael Muckey of Omaha and Carl French and wife Carol of Irwin; grandchildren: Todd Graham and wife Kim; Tim Graham; Renee and husband Ron Howard; Jennifer and husband Dan Behrens; David Muckey and wife Christy; Eric French and wife Jennifer; and Kyle French; great-grandchildren: Tyler Graham, Travis Graham, Ronnie Howard, Doris Ann Howard, Lia Muckey and Olivia Muckey, Grant Behrens, Claire Behrens, Andrew French, Samantha French, Laura French; other relatives and friends.