Loretta French, age 93, a resident of Spooner, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Barron with family at her side after a brief illness.

Loretta was born on August 14, 1929, in Cumberland, Wisconsin to parents Joseph and Florence (Smith) Wurzer.

Loretta was raised in Spooner and graduated from Spooner High School. She continued her education by attending college in Eau Claire for cosmetology. Loretta was united in marriage to Arden French on December 31, 1950 in Spooner. Loretta’s father founded Spooner Bottling Works, starting first by Red Cross, and then moving to their long-time location where Goslin Court is currently. Shortly after school and her marriage, her father died at a young age and they sold the business. At this point in their lives, the couple moved to California. The family followed their son Neil’s work at the horse race tracks, where her husband Arden became a trainer. In 1987, the family moved back to Spooner, and Loretta would spend many of her last years living at Goslin Court, making a full circle back to her roots. Loretta loved being around her family and friends, and enjoyed hanging out with the younger crowd as to not feel her age!  She spent her time watching horseracing, reading, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, Packers, and the Rails. She cherished spending her time with family and childhood friends Carol Sorenson, Evelyn Rezarch, Valarie Vogel, and Georgene Danger.

Loretta is survived by her children: Sundee (Albert) Peña of Siren, Wisconsin, Joan Vazquez of Spooner, Wisconsin, Joy French of Hayward, Wisconsin, 15 grandchildren: Louie, Jennie, Chrissy, Sundee, Albert, Alex, Michaela, Andrew, Neil, Loretta, Amber, Joy, Anna, Jose and Olivia and 15 great grandchildren.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, husband Arden in 1988, and her son Neil French.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11am, at St. Francis de Sales with Fr. Phillip Juza as Celebrant. A gathering of friends and family will be at the Church on Saturday from 10-11am.

Online memories and or condolences may be left at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com

Last Update: Mar 06, 2023 3:14 pm CST