Marolyn French

Marolyn French, age 85, of Savanna, IL, formerly of Thomson, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna. Cremation rites will be accorded. A funeral will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 11 am at The United Methodist Church in Thomson, IL. Visitation will occur from 10 am to 11am, the day of the service. A graveside memorial service will take place at a later date.

Marolyn was born November 4, 1934, in New Hampton, IA, the daughter of Arthur and Clara (Chesbro) Swenson. She attended New Hampton schools, graduating with the class of 1952. On November 8, 1952, Marolyn married Gene French. They celebrated 48 years of marriage before Gene's passing in 2001. She went on to receive her associate degree in nursing, and made a nice career of it, working in respiratory therapy for Mercy, as well as working for Big Meadows and various other nursing facilities as an LPN.

Marolyn was active in her community, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother, volunteering at Melon Days year after year, and participating in the American Legion Auxiliary, and United Methodist Women. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, but the Casino was a close second!

Marolyn will be dearly missed by her three sons, Jay French of Albuquerque, NM, K.C. (Jodi) French of Thomson, IL, and Tom French, of Thomson, IL; daughter, Dee (Phil) Tipton, of Clinton, IA; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; brother Art (Betty) Swenson of Plainfield, Illinois; and a sister, Sandy (Mill) Logeman of St. Cloud, MN Marolyn is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Clara; husband, Gene; one brother, Sheldon; three sisters, Arlene, Roceille, Roberta; and daughter Dannette.