Robert J. French

Robert J. French born June 10, 1944 on Milwaukee’s Eastside to Paul French and Jane Cody French, passed peacefully August 11, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Bob divided his time between Milwaukee and Minocqua, WI where he helped his family build a 5 story AFrame lodge from which he often hunted. He worked 30 years for AO Smith serving many years as a union representative and then as vice president of Smith Steelworkers DALU 19806. Bob also served as president of Milwaukee Community Cable Coperative leading an all volunteer staff guided by a board composed of leaders in local business, labor and community services.

Bob was predeceased by the love of his life, wife, Shirley and beloved son, Lee, sister JoAnn Boeshaar(Paul) and brother Richard. He is survived by his son Robert, sister Kathleen Hume-Hagen(Roger) sister-in-law Debbie French, brothers-in-law Lee Croston and Ted Herkowski as well as nieces and nephews who will miss him, especially Stephanie Hume. Thanks to nephew Don Boeshaar and niece Dawn Graf, who with his son, Robert, provided the care Bob needed to remain at home until his last days. Bob’s legacy, his love of reading, his expansive knowledge, his kindness and caring to others, and of course his French stubbornness, will live on with the family and friends he loved.

Visitation Monday August 24, 2026 from 4 to 6pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 1901 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee.