Mark Allen French

September 25, 2018

Mark Allen French, age 65 died in his sleep on September 25th 2018, at his home in Burlington WI. Mark was born in Racine, WI in March 1953 to Don and Grace French. He was very inquisitive and loved to learn. Following his graduation from high school, he worked his way through college attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Mark was a hard worker and graduated with honors earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy. Pursuing his love of nature and outdoor adventure, he joined up with college buddies and moved to Seattle where he joined the Mountaineers club, learned how to sail, he enjoyed scuba diving and an occasional round of golf, he also kayaked the Canadian San Juan Islands fishing and camping as he explored. He loved to travel and enjoyed traveling to exotic places. From the Hudson Bay to Chile to backpacking through Europe to hiking in Nepal. He biked in Utah, climbed Mt. Rainier, explored Thailand and also enjoyed seeing the busy streets of New York Mark was an honest and ethical man and a very loyal friend. He was a man of principal and believed in fairness and justice. His passions were gardening, hiking, fishing, cooking and reading fiction. He loved making trips to the library to plan his next adventure. Mark has a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh and a strong spirit…..He will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Mark is survived by his mother Grace Graceffa, siblings, Sheri (Rickey) Wroten, Debbie (Rick) Sack, Greg French, Keith (Terry) French, Carl Graceffa, Mario Graceffa (Kelsey Hurst) and Tony (Beth) Graceffa, sister-in-law Terri French, brother-in-law Rich Dezotel and his forever friends Carol and Andrew Finch, Sandi Larsen and Lee and Mary Sederberg Mark is proceeded in death by his father Don French, step-father Russ Graceffa, brother Danny, and sister Gail. Graveside services will be at 10am at Forest Home Cemetary in Fifield, followed by a celebration of life at the Kountry Kafe in Fifield WI.