Brett French

Brett was born in Wausau, WI on December 24, 1961, a son of the late Terry W. and Faith E. (Emlinger) French. Brett graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School, Class of 1980 and received his bachelor’s in biology and chemistry, then his master’s in biology from Central Michigan University.

Brett’s professional career included working 16 years at American Transmission Company managing the company’s interest in Michigan before becoming vice president of Business Development and Communication of Upper Peninsula Power Company, where he recently retired from in 2024.

Brett was a dedicated public servant. He was active in many community organizations throughout his life, including serving as the current president of the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club – also known as his “retirement job”. His impact through community service was vast, and some of his most proud work came serving with the Lake Superior Community Partnership, as the board president of the NICE Community Schools, as co-chairman of Operation Action U.P., and as co-founder and board chairman of the Midwest Skills Development Center. Brett was former chairman of the Bell Hospital Foundation and led the capital campaign to fund the new Bell Hospital. Further, he served on numerous state-level energy policy boards, was active with the United Way of Marquette, and is the past president of the Ishpeming Rotary Club. Brett’s selfless giving to the community was recognized by the Michigan State House of Representatives and the LSCP with a Distinguished Service Award.

Brett had many passions, and he mastered anything he touched. Those close to him attest to his intelligence and ability to fix or solve any problem. In his younger years, he was known as a gifted artist and mechanic. He had a love for motorcycles and the freedom they allow, taking numerous cross-country trips on his Harley Davidson. Brett was an avid outdoorsman, and loved bird hunting with his dogs and shooting sporting clays. The Negaunee Rod and Gun Club was his second family and most days he could be found there with a double gun in hand. He shared these hobbies intimately with his friends and family.

Brett’s children and grandchildren were the true joys of his life, and he was outspokenly proud of their accomplishments. Not only did he never miss an event, he probably organized, coached, or professionally photographed it. The recent births of his grandchildren deeply moved him in ways hard to describe.

Brett was a Christian and a deeply spiritual man who found solace in God’s saving grace.

Brett is survived by a son Zach (Berkley) French, a daughter Gabrielle (Austin) Dresner, a granddaughter Linnea French, a grandson Theodore Dresner, a brother Derek (Diana) French, a sister Heidi (Jason) Iseler and a brother-in-law Gary Leyder.

Brett was preceded in death by his parents Terry and Faith, and a sister Darcy Leyder.

Brett’s family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 am – 11:00 am on Friday February 28, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Fr. Larry Van Damme as celebrant.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club or the Midwest Skills Development Center Lineman School.

Brett’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhukie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.