Real "Frenchie" Coutu

Real “Frenchie” Coutu, 72, of Springfield, died on Monday, February 18, 2013, at St. John’s Hospital. Frenchie was born April 28, 1940, in Sorel, Canada, to Celestin and Cecile Dionne Coutu. He married Mary “Mickey” Wables on April 24, 1993 and she survives him.

He is also survived by one adopted daughter, Tina (James) Owens, of Grand Rapids, SD; one step daughter, Kelly Krueger Wallman of Springfield; four grandsons, Kaleb Wombaker of Grand Rapids, SD, Mark Wallman, Kyle Wallman and Kavion Beler all of Springfield; two brothers, Jean Guy and Gerard Coutu; a special foreign exchange daughter, Shiho Suzuki of Japan and several other exchange students to follow and numerous loving nieces and nephews of Canada.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Theresa Paquet Coutu and two brothers, Jean Claude and Jean Paul Coutu.
Frenchie moved to the states in 1965 and has been a resident of Springfield since the spring of 1978. He was with the union for over 50 years and retired from CWLP as a lineman. Frenchie was a very dedicated Eagles Aerie 437 member and held various positions over the years. He was a past president and was the current trustee.

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life at 2 pm, Sunday, February, 24, 2013 at the Eagles Club, 2700 East Ash St.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eagles Club Aerie and Auxiliary 437.