Kenneth Harold French

Kenneth Harold French, 89, passed away on December 22, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

Ken was born on September 24, 1936 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to the late Harold and Anne French (nee Matheson). He was united in marriage to his “Schnook” Maxine Beck on November 21,1970 at Mt. Tabor UCC in Milwaukee.

Ken proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1958 until 1962; he was employed in Production and Inventory Control at Phoenix Products for 30 years. Throughout Ken’s life, his true passion was music. Ken served as an organist for 60 years at various churches, was an accompanist for the Hartford Community Chorus, Wisconsin Solo Ensemble, many community theatrical productions, and for the Hartford Union Christmas Eve Concert Choir at Holy Hill. But his most treasured musical moments at the piano were leading his family in their traditional Christmas Sing alongs!

Other things that brought Ken joy were traveling with his beloved Max, specifically road trips back to Canada to visit relatives; going to Big Portage Lake in the Wisconsin north woods with his family, which included swimming to the boat landing (even at the seasoned age of 81) followed by eating porridge; playing a variety of games, especially cards or Pictionary (haha) with friends and family; and going on Mam & Papa Christmas Dates with his grandkids.

Those left to cherish Ken’s memory include his wife, Maxine, children, William (Pamela) Klumb, Kathleen Ellenbecker (Paul Eischen), Jennifer Landowski, and Lorolyn (Richard) Mews, twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren. Sister and brother-in-law, Susanne and Thomas Pollock, brother-in-law, Glenn Currie, many nieces and nephews, countless other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by, his brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Cynthia French, sister Donna Currie, sons-in-law; Dale Ellenbecker and Robert Landowski.

Ken’s family will be celebrating his life on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Immanuel United Church of Christ (501 Walnut Street, West Bend WI), they will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. A Memorial Service for Ken will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m., with Chaplin Mary Hernikl officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to a musical organization, theatrical group, or church that you and Ken had a connection with.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Community and Commonheart Home Hospice for their patient and loving care in his final weeks of life; you are a blessing!

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ken’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.