Jean F. French

Jean F. (Pokorny) French, age 97, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024. She was born on July 20, 1926, in Rhinelander, to John and Eugenia Pokorny.

She lived her whole life in the City of Rhinelander. 

After graduating from Rhinelander High School in 1944, she worked at Merchants State Bank. Jean married Richard L. French Sr. on July 1, 1961. She lovingly supported her husband who managed Stark’s Farms Inc., the family potato farm in Starks and was a devoted mother to her three children, Richard Jr, Mary, and Jessica. She was also a life-long member of Nativity of our Lord Church. 

Jean’s two grandchildren, Brianna and Olivia, were her pride and joy. Jean was fortunate to have been able to spend a lot of quality time with her grandchildren as they were growing up, whether it was on a fun trip to Florida, a day at the lake, or a late-night game of cards.  Jean also enjoyed being around her many granddogs and would spoil them with love and treats. Family was everything to Jean and she devoted her life to making a beautiful and loving home. 

Jean is survived by one son, Richard Jr. (Jan) French, Rhinelander, and two daughters, Mary (Steve) DeNamur, Lake Tomahawk, and Jessica (Jim) Jung, Rhinelander, and her grandchildren Brianna and Olivia DeNamur. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Richard French Sr, her parents, two brothers and two sisters-in-law.

Jean’s family would like to thank the staff at Grace Lodge for making her transition from her home to assisted living a positive experience. We are grateful for all the staff members who spent time making sure she was well cared for. 

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the family at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church followed by interment at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Cemetery.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.