John L. French, 61, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, June 8, 2009, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

The funeral service will be on Friday June 12, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Rev. Bill Ritter officiating. Interment will be in the Columbus Cemetery with military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Friday at 10:15 AM in the church fellowship hall. Memorials are suggested to those of donor's choice.

John L. French was born July 11, 1947, in Spalding, Nebraska, to James Howard and Dorothy (McManaman) French. He graduated from Spalding High School in 1966. On July 28, 1967, John entered the United States Army during Vietnam, and was stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged on April 29, 1969. John then attended Arizona State University, graduating in December, 1973 with a degree in business. In 1977, John moved to Columbus to be near his girl friend, Beth Newman, and to help his father with his business. John and Beth were united in marriage on February 25, 1978, at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus.

John was an entrepreneur, starting "Pleaser Foods" which made cheese Frenchies, designed the "Stack & Steak" restaurant, was instrumental in the development of Bradshaw Park, and in 1981 started the "Park Avenue Restaurant" (formerly the Downtowner Restaurant). In 1985 he purchased the "Park Plaza" (Downtowner Hotel). John was a board member of the Down Town Business Improvement District, taught and coached boxing, loved golf, and was an avid Husker fan. John also enjoyed horse racing and traveling. John received awards from the Hispanic Association in Columbus and Grand Island for his work with developing entrepreneurship programs.

John is survived by:
Wife - Beth French of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Nicole (special friend - Mike Furtaw) of Lincoln, NE
Son - Nicolas (special friend - Shannon Hopp) of Lincoln, NE
Mother - Dorothy G. French of Columbus, NE
Brother - Bruce French of Columbus, NE
Sister - Donna Esch of Columbus, NE
Brother - Dan French of Spalding, NE
Brother - Doug (Irene) French of Bartlet, NE
Sister - Kathy (Dwight) Briney of Edson, KS
Brother - Rich French of Bartlet, NE
Brother - Ron (Linda) French of Lincoln, NE
Sister- Chris (Ron) Vrba of Silver Creek, NE
Brother - Kevin (special friend - Mickie Senften) French of Columbus, NE
Sister - Mary (Carlos) Castillo of Beech Island, SC
Brother - Don (Tracy) French of Lincoln, NE
Numerous nieces and nephews
Father-in-law - Neil Newman of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law - Dan (Cindy) Newman of Omaha, NE


John was preceded in death by:
Father - Howard French
Mother-in-law - Phyllis Newman


SERVICE FOLDER INFORMATION

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.


In Memory Of

John L. French

Born
Friday, July 11, 1947
Spalding, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Monday, June 8, 2009
Omaha, Nebraska

Service
Friday, June 12, 2009 10:30 AM
First United Methodist Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Bill Ritter

Music
Denene Owens - Pianist
Bill Ritter - Soloist
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
Special Music
"One Love"

Casket Bearers
Joe Tooley JR Donlon
Ed Loontjer Dick Kamm
Gene Arnold Dave Czuba
Don Javorsky Keith Harbour

Interment
Columbus Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska

Military Honors
The American Legion, Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard