Joseph “Joe” French

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, October 23, 1961
Date of Death:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Age:
51 years old

Visitation

Date: Friday June 14, 2013
Time: 10:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Friday June 14, 2013
Time: 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, October 23, 1961
Date of Death:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Age:
51 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, October 23, 1961
Date of Death:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Age:
51 years old

Joseph “Joe” French

The memorial service for Joseph Glen French will be at 11:00am Friday June 14th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. James Russell officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Joe, 51, was born October 23, 1961 in Rochester to Glen and Margaret French, passed away at his home of natural causes on Friday June 7th.

Joe was the carefree, spirited little brother who enjoyed music and riding his motorcycles.  He traveled the upper Midwest with local bands, becoming the sound board man for a number of groups.  After many years of traveling, he finally decided to settle back in Rochester and became the “Sound Dude” at the North Star Bar, making long time friends through conversation of the common love of music and great hard rock bands. He was blessed with many friends who appreciated his sardonic wit, similar views on hard rock greats and the evils of big government.  His heart was big and generous to those he loved and cherished.  He was self taught on the integration of computer components, building media centers and had a keen ear for sound mixing. He was always willing to add a little “more cowbell” when needed.  We will miss his zest for life and honest opinions on how the world should be wired.

Joe is survived by 2 brothers Steven (Nicole), Christopher French; and a sister Donna Danielson.  Also survived by aunt Marilyn Hendricks, by niece Molly (Carl) Jepsen and nephews Michael (Amber) Danielson, Andrew (Nicole) Danielson, and Brandon and Alex French.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of Joseph “Joe” French has received the following condolences.

Oh Joe....words cannot express...they just cannot express it all....who you were, how you were....how much you will always mean.

We went back a long, long way...laughter, tears, support, protection...fights and making up. Time apart yet easy reunions as if no time had passed at all.

You were unique, special, and will always be loved...and always, no matter what, be my friend.

A la' Pat Benetar - "can't stand you no more"...Frenchy!

I was the lead singer for Keystone in the late 80's. I truly enjoyed my time with them and Joe. He was always in a good mood and his wit and sense of humor made for good "band" banter. He was a great sound man and a real tech. Joe will be missed, but I know as soon as he gets to heaven he will be taking over the controls for God.

Joey (Frenchy)- One of my most treasured cousins.   I will miss you my cousin my friend, you always greated me with big hugs, huge smiles and some times a motorcycle ride.  Your passion for life was intoxicating and contagious.  You have touched so many of our lives with your music and flare for enjoying life.  Such a gentle man with a big heart, I will miss you, I only wish I could've given you one more big HUG!  Love you!

Kelly French

 

Steve, Donna, and Chris,

My thoughts are with you!  I enjoyed reading all the tributes to Joe.  It is obvious he lived his life as an adult the same as the kid I remember...  full of energy, compassion, adventure  May we all have such a zest for life!  Take care and hold on to all those great memories!  Love, Ann and Mike Elling

To Joe:

You have always held a very special place in my heart. The memory of your smile, your wit, your tenderness, and your warmth will carry me through this trial of sadness. As my mind goes back, I remember how well you treated me and
my son, Damien, your ability to lift me up when my spirit had fallen, how you always had something nice to say and a big smile when I walked through the door, how you loved everyone and showed them daily, the gentleness you showed your mother and your laughter with your father, and your unending love toward me. It's always in hindsight that we realize how much we care and what a large void is left in our hearts. I know that you have gone on to a much better place and are waiting for us with your parents, but it doesn't ease the pain of losing you. I will forever carry you in my heart and in my mind. Rest peacefully, my dear friend.

To Joe's family:

Thank you for accepting my son and me into your lives, however briefly. Joe was truly blessed to have such a big, loving (and fun) family. Please know that his pain is gone and that he has gone to the next level, where he looks down upon you with love. His many friends are testament to what a beautiful soul he was, and he will truly be missed by many.

Joe - You were always fair and hard working. You made the North Star a good venue to play. I'll never forget when you directed me to the extension cords hanging on the wall and yelled something about grabbing the yellow one. I brought you over the yellow one and you seemed a little frightened and said "NO! - NOT The Yellow One - Its shorted out!" You seemed to think I was pretty absurd in that moment. That makes me smile. Thanks Sir!

Joe-
words alone can't express how you always made me feel so loved!!! Our special hello (your elbow-my boob) Thanks so much for all the years of laughter, late nights, a ride on your bike, your way of music and sound (thanks for showing/
teaching me some of your tricks). The North Star has lost one of its truest treasures.  Love you Joe, until we see
each other again. To the family of Joe "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight". (Kahlil Gibran)

Joe...there are never enough words to say when it comes to losing someone, just know this..you will be GREATLY missed by MANY! I met you many years ago and your wit and charm was something special! I cannot image the "Guiding Light" with out you. I can't imagine the gaming world with out you either. I am going to miss those awesome hugs as well!! You were taken to early, but now God has a very special Angel, by his side and we know you will be watching over all of us! My prayers and heart go out to your family. Love ya Joe, and I look forward to getting that hug again some day. Rest in Peace my friend.

 

~Wen

Our deepest sympathy to Joe's family. I met Joe through my brother Wade so many years ago. Even though we didn't see each other often, each time was like we just hung out yesterday. We had the good fortune to see Joe at the Star just a month or so ago, and as always talked good music and a little politics. Joe always had a big smile for me and I will cherish those memories of him.

I will miss you dearly Joe, Peace!

I am very saddened by the loss of Joe. I had many interesting conversations with him and enjoyed working with him when I had a show at the Northstar. My heart and prayers go out to his family and closest friends. He surely was one of a kind. - Garth

You always made the Northstar a cool place to play. We always knew there was gonna be a great soundhuman awaiting us. Always honest to us...worked hard.

 

You're gonna be missed \m/

Kenner

We'll miss you Joe!! Was always so good to see you when we were in town to play at the Northstar!! You will be greatly missed! Such a nice guy!!

Leisha

LADY LUCK

Rochester lost one of it's COOLEST DUDES.  Town won't be the same without you...

*Will miss you, Joe.*

Wish you could've hung around a little longer.

 

 

I've never been good with words (you already know that lol) and I don't know what to say Joe, I am still in shock.

 I feel extremely blessed that I got the chance to chat with you Friday before you passed.  I will hold that memory dear.  I'm going to hold you to the plans we made, it will just be a bit of a wait on my end.  

I will think of you fondly and miss you always...God always takes the good ones, and he got the best when he took you!

 

 

Doc Joe, 

I consider you family Joe, I thank you for all of the kindness, the long evenings filled with happiness and music, the brunches we shared, my daughter & I, with you...  the amazing and beautiful memories I will forever have.... A person I will never forget ever.  Thank you for the work on my electronics, my computer, the wisdom, the gifts, the ear, the shoulder, the cabinet, the encouragement, I cant begin to list how much you have added to my life since the day I met you all of those years ago.  You welcomed me instantly and my life was never the same.  My prayers are with all of the people's lives that you have touched over the years...  your family, friends...our friends...  the late nights, the opinions and conversations, the sound board amongst all sound boards, and all of the other words I have to say that you understand even if I dont, and yeah, MORE COWBELL.  I will miss you Joe...  Until Next time...