Terry French

Terry L. French, age 78, passed away in Texas on September 29, 2022.

He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, August 18, 1944, to the late Kenneth G. and Grace B. (Duchman) French. Terry graduated from Logan-Magnolia High School with the class of 1963 and then proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on both the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Shangri-La. Terry was a very hard worker, even from his early childhood, helping his dad out with farming. After attending school and honorable discharge from the navy, he ended up in Florida. While deployed, he purchased his dream car, Mustang Mach1 and it was waiting for him in Jacksonville. While living there, he landed a job as an equipment operator for a road construction company. Eventually he drove this car back to Iowa, got married and started a family. For a living, he was a farmer, raised cattle, and later started/owned French Construction, operating various types of equipment, including his beloved D6 (CAT) Dozer. He was known to participate in several tractor pulls driving his favorite John Deere tractors, of course. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, country-western line dancing and socializing with friends. He cherished friendships over the years, many that were lifelong friends, as well as spending winters in Texas away from Iowa weather.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Letner.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Trisha Brandts (Vince) and Tanya Fiala (Tony); grandchildren, Olivia Brandts, Owen Brandts, Kinsley Ferguson, and Callie Gittins; companion, Sharon Anania; siblings, Reta Nowatzke (Alan), Rick French (Faye), and Ron French (Jenny); nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Celebration of Life Gathering will be at the McClelland Town Hall on Wednesday November 2, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. His permanent place of rest will be at the Omaha National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: West Pottawattamie County Soil and Water Conservation District; 305 McKenzie Ave; Council Bluffs, IA 51503 – designate donations for education and outreach.