Service Information
Steve French, age 78, Husband of Verlyce, of Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his home in Cedar Mills Township.
No services planned at this time.
Obituary
Lawrence “Steve” Steven French was born on June 10, 1942, in Amarillo, Porter County, Texas, to Lawrence Lee Pamplin and Wanita Alice (Stevens) Pamplin. His youth was spent in the Texas Panhandle. Steve played sports throughout his school years and enjoyed football the most. During high school, he helped the area wheat farmers in Texas and Kansas. He attended college in Mississippi and lived with his aunt and uncle in Jackson, Mississippi. He worked in the Texas oil fields and Cabot Corporation in Pampa, Texas.
His mother married Jack French and in 1964 Steve changed his last name to French. Steve married Anita Buske and was the father to a daughter, Marci and a son, Scott.
On November 8, 1985, Steve was united in marriage to Verlyce Paulene Runke in Watertown, South Dakota. Steve and Verlyce resided on their farm in Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota, for 36 years. They spent 18 winters in the southern states (mostly Alabama). Steve and Verlyce shared 35 years of marriage.
Upon moving to Minnesota, Steve took a job at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing in 1969. He worked there for 19 years and left there in 1988 to farm full time with Verlyce’s nephew.
In the fall, many waterfowl hunting trips were taken to North and South Dakota, Nebraska, as well as Texas and Mississippi. A lot of time was spent on the golf course in the summer. Steve was a charter member of the Hutchinson Elks Lodge #2427 for 52 years, and was named Elk of the Year in 1981.
Steve passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his home in Cedar Mills Township, at the age of 78 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Steve is survived by his:
Wife, Verlyce French of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughter, Marci French of New Braunfels, TX;
Grandson, Jacob French;
Brothers, Spencer (Carolyn) French of Nacogdoches, TX,
Paul French of Amarillo, TX;
Sister, BethAnn (George) Campbell of Amarillo, TX;
Sister-In-Law, Nancy French of Nacogdoches, TX;
Nephews, Mark (Connie) Runke and their son, Matthew (Lindsay) and family of Hutchinson, MN,
Lucas Runke and his fiancé, Annie Holtz and her family of Kimball, MN;
Farming Partner and Nephew, Paul Runke and his fiancé, Roxanne Hubert and her family of Hutchinson, MN;
Long time special friend, Sue Solstad of Brownton, MN;
Many Nephews, Nieces, and other relatives and friends.
Steve is preceded in death by his Father, Lawrence Pamplin; Parents, Jack and Wanita French; Son, Scott French; Brother, Tom French; Nephew, Ryan French; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Frank and Hattie Runke; Brother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law, Alvin and Rosie Runke.
Judy Thul says
So sorry to see this Verlyce. My deepest sympathy to you.
Fred F Barlau says
Oh, Verlyce I feel so bad. Don’t know what to say. Barb and my prayers go out to you and your family.
sandy wacker says
So sorry for your loss. You two meant so much to my parents. May you find peace in God’s hands.
Amy Proeschel Schmidt says
Verlyce, my deepest condolences to you.
ERIKA HOVERSTEN says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, and your family.
Erika and Richard Hoversten.
Clem Suchy says
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Marj I Frieler says
Verlyce , sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy.
Larry & Joan Karg says
So sorry to learn of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you, Verlyce.
Karen and Terry Ruble says
My heartfelt sympathies to you Verlyce.
Peggy Jorgensen says
So sorry for your loss, Verlyce.
Carolyn Kurth says
Verlyce, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My sincerest sympathies to you.
Lori Palmer says
Verylce so very sorry for your loss. Will never forget playing scrambles with you and Steve. And when you would hit a good shot Steve would say “way to go kid”!! Gonna be missed dearly… Friends always,,. Jeff and Lori
Barb Peterson says
Verlys,
So sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. Keep those memories close in your heart as that will be a comfort to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless. Barb
Lori Glieden says
I am so sorry to hear this Verlyce, you and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Donna Engelen says
My sympathies Verlyce. Hugs.
Stacy Hammer says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Nancy French says
Dearest Verlyce,
I know your heart is broken,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Perhaps Steve and Thomas are enjoying a game of golf.
Love,
Nancy French
Karen Hoffmann says
Verlyce & family,
Sending our sympathy & remembering all of you in our thoughts & prayers. May God Bless all of you.
Larry & Karen Hoffmann
Kim Ofallon says
Verlyce I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Steve. I’m sure your heart is broken. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Steve. I’m sure it’s very hard loosing a loved one. Hang in there and you have my deepest sympathy and God be with you during this difficult time.
Glenda & Don says
Verlyce,
So sorry about Steve. I’m sure he will be missed by you and a lot of friends. I won’t be able to play golf without him telling me, “Steve’s rules” in Al. So glad we were able to meet and play golf together in Al.& enjoy some Mardi Gras. Although last few years, mainly you & I. I’ll miss the Gentle Giant.
Love & prayers to you & family.
Richard Karl says
Verlyce
Sending HUGS! Rick was glad to have been able to visit with Steve last week, we know he’s no longer in pain. He was a good friend and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Rick & Bonnie
Sue Senne says
Verlyce, so sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Jeanne Lund says
Verlyce, my sympathy and prayers to you. I am sorry for your loss.
Gloria Kotila says
Deepest Sympathies Verlyce,
Thanks bling of you during this very difficult time.
Gloria
Rich and Lori Reznechek says
So sorry for your loss Verlyce. Prayers to you and your family.
Carol Jean Barrick says
So sorry for your loss Verlyce. May God bless your memories of the years you shared.
Cookie & Tom
Mike kenney says
Sorry for your loss, I was always excited to talk and work with Steve and Paul in years passed back when I worked at Hillside. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Mike Kenney
Jenny Plaisance says
Just heard so sorry! You are in my prayers. My deepest condolences.