Roy French

Roy French, age 89, of Olivia died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Olivia Healthcare Center.  Memorial services will be on Monday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Rev. Matt Hausken as officiant.  Visitation will be on Monday at the church for one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

A live stream of Roy’s service will be available at the church’s website at the following link: Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church Olivia – YouTube

Roy Wesley French was born September 16, 1934 in Milliken, Colorado to Roy and Violet (Vincent) French. His family relocated to the Los Angeles area where he graduated from high school.  He worked for the beet sugar cooperative in Goodland, Kansas following high school. Roy married Etta Simmering on June 16, 1975. They moved to Olivia in 1978 for Roy’s employment at the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative in Renville. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior later in life and attended church and men’s bible study at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia. Roy had a love for grilling and growing produce, especially tomatoes, and traveling. Time spent outside waterskiing in his younger years, and later on fishing brought him much joy. His ability to have fun and be a prankster brought smiles and laughter to those around him.

Roy is survived by his four sons: Jim Schroeder of Forest Hills, NY, John Schroeder of Casper, WY, Joel Schroeder of St. Louis Park, MN, and Michael French of Wiggins, CO; siblings, Patricia Garcia and Donna Duran.  Roy was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Etta; his brother, James French; and his sister, Alice Ross.

Blessed Be His Memory