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Orval `Frenchie` French , Age: 85
September 13, 1937 - August 31, 2023
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We regret to annouce the passing of Orval D. French, aka Frenchie, 85, of Yelm,
WA.
He died unexpectedly August 31, 2023, of natural causes. The family is deeply
saddened and shocked by his passing.
Frenchie was born Septempter 13, 1937, to Orval E. and Dorothy French in Tacoma,
WA. He graduated from Franklin Pierce High School. He worked at his parents’ gas
station Frenchie’s Mt. Sales-U-Serve in Parkland. He met his wife Tonia B. Kuntz in 1954 and they were
married in January 1958. They have four children: Annette, Danielle, Darin, and Michelle. They moved to
Yelm in 1967 where he worked for Gubser Bulldozing and then purchased the business from Mr. Gubser
in 1977. The business involved running heavy equipment, doing land clearing, site prep, and septic
installation. Until his death, he was still actively working with his son Darin in the family business. He
died with his work boots on doing what he loved – work!
He was avidly involved with the Yelm Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years as a fire fighter,
lieutenant, chief, and Fire Marshall. He retired as a Fire Commissioner in 2014. Throughout his fire
service, Frenchie was instrumental in the construction of the Lake Lawrence Fire Station and the Hannus
Road Fire Station, and served as one of the first Fire Marshalls for the City of Yelm. One of his largest
accomplishments was successfully leading the formation of one of the first handful of fire authorities to
be formed in Washington State, known as SE Thurston Fire Authority. His forward-thinking leadership
and desire to provide the best service possible to the citizens of SE Thurston was instrumental in the
success of the Fire Authority.
He was a devoted and caring husband and father, who was always up for adventure or a good party.
Every year he looked forward to the annual Buzzard Butt Buster motorcycle ride, of which he was a
participant for 30 years. He was proud of the fact that he had three generations participating in the
annual ride.
He also belonged to the Moose Lodge, the Venture Motorcycle Club, and the Junco Snowmobile Club.
He was key to the construction of a warming shelter at the Orr Creek Snow Park. Besides spending time
with family, he enjoyed camping, jeeping, elk hunting, riding his motorcycle, snowmobiling, dirt bike
riding, and rebuilding his toys.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Barbara Ranson.
He is survived by his loving wife Tonia of 65 years of marriage. Children: Annette (Dave) Hansen of
Stevensville, MT; Danielle (Jeff) McCarten of Rainier, WA; Darin (Emily) French of Yelm, WA; and
Michelle (Dan) Choate of Yelm, WA. Grandchildren: Jared (Stephanie) Hansen of Stevensville, MT; Eric
(Heather) Hansen of Stevensville, MT; Lucas Choate of Yelm, WA; Alex Choate of Yelm, WA; and step
granddaughter Brooke McCarten of Lacey, WA. Great Grandchildren: Hayden Hansen and Asher Hansen
of Stevensville, MT. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Rainier Sportsman Club
Address: 404 Alaska Street
City: Rainier
State: WA
Zip Code: 98576
Date of Service: May 18, 2024
Time of Service: 1:00pm
Additional Information: No Additional Information Added
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map.

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