We regret to announce the passing of “Frenchie,” Orval D. French, 85, of Yelm, Washington. He died unexpectedly Aug. 31, 2023, of natural causes.
Frenchie was born Sept. 13, 1937, to Orval E. and Dorothy French in Tacoma, Washington. He married his wife, Tonia Kuntz, in 1958 and they went on to have four children together. Until his death, he was still working with his son, Darin, in the family business — Gubser Bulldozing. He died with his boots on doing what he loved — work!
He was avidly involved with the Yelm Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years as a firefighter, lieutenant, chief and fire marshall. He retired as fire commissioner in 2014.
He was a devoted and caring husband and father who was always up for adventure or a good party. He enjoyed camping, Jeeping, elk hunting, riding his motorcycle, snowmobiling and rebuilding his toys.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Ranson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Tonia; children, Annette (Dave) Hansen, Danielle (Jeff) McCarten, Darin (Emily) French and Michelle (Dan) Choate; grandchildren, Jared (Stephanie) Hansen, Eric (Heather) Hansen, Lucas Choate and Alex Choate; step-granddaughter, Brooke McCarten; and great-grandchildren, Hayden and Asher Hansen.
Please join us for a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Rainier Sportsman’s Club, 404 Alaska St., Rainier, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Frenchie’s honor.
