Bill French celebrated his 85th birthday Feb. 18 at Zeke’s in Dowagiac surrounded by 44 relatives, including his wife of 62 years, Peggy, and all seven of his children.
Others present were his two brothers, Jack (93 years) and Henry (88 years) ,both of Niles.
William Joseph French was born on Feb.15, 1927, in Braidwood, Ill., to Catherine Fassino French and Samuel French.
He moved to the Niles area when he was 7.
Seventeen of their grandchildren were present and five of their great-grandchildren.
Several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also attended the party.
Theme of the party was 85. That meant that all party guests were asked to bring 85 of something to the guest of honor. Some of the gifts included pennies, marbles, candy, 85 period songs on CD, an album of 85 pictures and 8.5 pounds of birdseed.