Obituary of MARK A. FRENCH

Age 66 of White Bear Lake and St. Paul. Athlete, sailor, poet, author, playwright, actor, storyteller, and master craftsman. Mark died unexpectedly at his home. Preceded in death by parents John French Sr. and Joan French, and siblings Steven and Mary Melissa. Mark is survived by daughters Nadine and Onida Gumpenberger of Ashach, Austria, son Jack Regan French of Weatherford, TX, and siblings Susan (Rodolfo) of Mexico City, Jane (Don) of Hudson, WI, John French Jr. of Otsego, Michael French (Pam) of White Bear Lake, Christopher (Julie) of Birchwood, and Annamarie (John) of Budapest; together with many nieces and nephews, uncle and aunt Donald and Jean Regan of St. Paul and their children, and “The Boys,” his life-long friends. Mark was a graduate of WBL class of ’69, where he played football and basketball, when he wasn’t sailing the lake. He attended the University of MN, Morris and St. Cloud State University before signing on with County Sterns Theater and then with Arkansas Children’s Theater in Little Rock, Arkansas. While there, Mark wrote, directed, and performed in many of the company’s productions, until leaving for the bright lights of Broadway. Although Broadway was not all he’d hoped for, life in the Big Apple rewarded him with the three lights of his life: Nadine, Onida and Jack. Mark taught himself design and cabinetmaking while pursuing the stage, and continued to hone his craft after returning to MN some years ago. A memorial service honoring Mark’s life and his contributions to our lives will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2:00 at the Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Ave E. St Paul MN. Monetary memorials in lieu of flowers appreciated.