Ross French, age 80, of Brookings, died Thursday, February 27, 2014, at the Bryant Parkview Care Center in Bryant, South Dakota. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings. Visitations will be from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. Eidsness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ross Wayne French was born October 7, 1933, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Wayne and Mildred (Thompson) French. He graduated from high school in Canton, South Dakota, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1956. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls for four years and farmed with his parents. On April 9, 1960, he married Joy Dreyer at Sioux Falls. Ross worked as an engineer for the state of South Dakota in Sioux Falls for ten years and then in Brookings until 1997 when he retired. Ross enjoyed bowling and gardening. He was involved in his children's activities, especially hockey and baseball. Survivors include his wife, Joy, of Brookings; four children: Sandy Janis of Canton, Diana French of Pierre, Dewayne French of Sioux Falls, and Brian (fiancé Sarah) French of Litchfield, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Danielle and Jessica Walker, Katlyn and Brianna Peterson, and Jackson and Aiden French; a special cousin, Roger Haugo of Sioux Falls; and special friends, Brad and Michelle Kasdorf of Colman. He was preceded in death by his parents.