Carmen M. French

Carmen M. French, 82, of Fond du Lac, played her last cribbage hand on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She was born September 2, 1943 in Fond du Lac, the daughter of Joseph and Clotilde (Vera) Torres. On March 3, 1962 she married Michael French at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and he preceded her in death on July 12, 2017.

Carmen wore many hats. She started out as a homemaker, then ran “Carmen’s Kitchen” at Bobs Pizza Palace on Saturdays in the 1970’s, serving tacos. Mike and her bought the Cornerstone Tavern in 1976 and ran that for many years. After that she bartended at various places. You could find her “playing the machines”, reading palms, cutting hair or at a rummage sale.

She loved life and had many friends. Playing cards with “the kids”, reading, watching tennis, cheering on the Packers and keeping her yard in order were things she loved. She also loved her dog, Kirby. You could see her taking him on walks around the neighborhood while she was scoping out trees she could trim.

Grandma Frenchie was a very generous Nana, a woman who never asked for much, but didn’t feel content until all her family and friends were taken care of. She was a constant presence for anyone in distress, often burning candles for them in dire situations or just bending an ear.

The phrase “LOVE YOU MORE” was the last words she told us all on every conversation or whenever we were leaving, so “THE END, SHE WINS!”

She is survived by four children, Michelle (Kurt) Winget, Anne (Elliott) Lisowe, Paul French, and Josef (Christina Atkins) French; eight grandchildren, Josh Winget (Jodee), Jason Winget (Sade), Jennifer Winget-Turner (Jordan), Emily Winget (Isaac), David Lisowe (Nicole), Brock Lisowe (Ali), Sydni Nessemier (John), and Gabbie French; seven great grandchildren; her siblings, Fudge Torres, Inez Kerch, Josephine (Paul) Pade, and Ponce Torres; sisters-in-law, Pat Torres and Sue Torres; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael; two daughters, Lisa French and Laura Gannon; siblings, Raymond Torres, Michael Torres, Helen (Bruce) Wischnefski, and Jova (Donald) Borth; sister-in-law, Maryann Torres; brother-in-law, Richard Kerch.

The visitation will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place and private burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

The French family extends thanks to the SSM Hospice staff and a SPECIAL thanks to the nurses on the 6th floor of St. Agnes Hospital! We will never forget your compassion and patience with our family.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com