William J. French, 91, passed away at 8:06 a.m. on Friday, March 30, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on Feb. 15, 1927, in Custer Park, Illinois, to the late Samuel W. and Catherine J. (Fassino) French.

Bill was also preceded in death by sister, Rose Marie Tolliver; and brothers, Henry and John French.

On July 30, 1949, in Niles, Bill married Peggy Sue (Pettie). She survives along with children, Theresa (Ray) Besch of Peachtree City, Georgia, Jeannette (Jim) Nash of Portage, Michigan, Joseph (Milly) French of Buchanan, Michigan, Anthony (Sharon) French of Plainwell, Michigan, Catherine (R.B.) Morton of Dowagiac, Michigan, Paul French of Niles, Michigan, and Elizabeth (Scott) Campbell of South Bend, Indiana; 22 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Bill honorably served his country in the Merchant Marines, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. He retired from Tyler Refrigeration in 1985 after 38 years of service.

Bill enjoyed woodworking, building, fishing, gardening, taking care of birds and was a groundskeeper at Hampshire Country Club. Visitation will be 5-8pm on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, in St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to Caring Circle – Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.