Roger French
July 17, 2016
Roger L. (Rod) French, 79 passed away on July 17, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 29, 2016 at Des Moines Golf & Country Club from 12:00 to 3:00 pm with a program at 1:00 pm.
Rod was born and grew up in Wyoming. After graduating from high school, he moved to Texas to attend North Texas State. It was during his years in Texas that he got his start in heavy duty truck sales with Kenworth trucking. This would evolve into a 47 year career as a Kenworth Truck Dealer with dealerships in Des Moines, Omaha, Moline, Cedar Rapids and Lincoln. He retired and sold the company in June, 2015.
He was an avid sports fan, especially Iowa State athletics. He was a member of the ISU Foundation’s Order of the Knoll and a major donor to the Jacobson Athletic Building at Jack Trice Stadium. He provided the lead gift for the Rod & Connie French ISU Athletic Academic Center and was the founder of the Iowa State Conservation Education Center in Missoula, Montana. He was named Iowa State’s Favorite Alum in 2003 and received the ISU Alumni Association Honorary Alumni Award in 2010. He was a major supporter of ISU Hockey. He was also a lifetime member of The Fiesta Bowl Committee.
In addition to athletics, he was a longtime supporter of Link Associates and Variety Club of Iowa serving as Honorary Telethon Chair in 1977-1978.
Rod is survived by his wife, Connie; his son, Roger, and daughter, Karen; grandchildren, Allison (Robbin) Tegeler and Michael; great-granddaughter, Ella; Connie’s children, Noel (Jodi) Brdicko and Tracy (Alex) Moore and grandchildren, Nick and Owen; Kellie (Preston) Hinkle and children Tanner, Austin and Grace; and sister, Elizabeth (Harold) Finnel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Leiton and Dorothy French.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rod’s name to Link Associates. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.
Chuck & Angela Cerveny
07/29/2016
Rod French Family ,
Very sorry for your LOSS.
ROD WAS ALWAYS CONSIDERATE AND CORDIAL WHEN NEGOTIATING WITH US BOTH IN BUSINESS AND PERSONALLY . WE ALWAYS CONCIDERED ROD TO BE A GREAT FRIEND AND FELT THIS TO BE RECIPROCAL.
MUCH LOVE AND MANY BLESSINGS !
CHUCK & ANGELA CERVENY
GOLDEN WEST
OMAHA , NEBRASKA
rosemary mullin
07/26/2016
To Connie and the family,
Very sorry for your loss and hope you can find peace in knowing so many people have been touched by his generosity.
Ross Lewis
07/24/2016
My Dad, Jerry Lewis, worked for Rod for 31 years as a parts salesman. Dad always spoke highly of Rod and had a lot of respect for him. I got to experience Rod's generosity for his employees and their families every Christmas for 17 years (and one after my Dad passed when I took his place playing the Christmas party Santa). He was so nice to Mary and I after our Dad died and I will always remember his concern and kindness. God bless you Rod and may you rest in peace.
Margie Eppley
07/24/2016
A born salesman who could easily have sold a dead horse for sleeping. Working at Kenworth was never boring, and one never knew what to expect from this owner next. He had kind eyes, a big heart, and a beautiful family. He spared no expense when it came to Christmas for his employees, their spouses and children and everyone left with a very nice and appropriate gift. My heart goes out to Karen, Roger and family. Rod will be missed and never forgotten by all whose life he touched.
Linda Dunshee
07/24/2016
To the Family of Rod French: Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened everyone at Link Associates. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.
It is hard to find words to describe the impact Rod has had on Link Associates. Despite his passing his many contributions will live forever. Rod was unwavering in his support of persons with intellectual disabilities and gave generously to support new services and programs. Equally Rod gave his encouragement, suggestions and support, all of which helped make us the organization we are today.
Please accept our condolences on the passing of this wonderful man. It was an honor to have known such a great person and we will truly miss him.
Linda Dunshee, Executive Director, and the consumers, staff and Board of Link