Staff

I am a wife, mom, sister, Gaga, aunt, nurse, friend, and a funeral director — it is difficult to separate me from my profession. I became a funeral director in 1995, completing an associate’s degree in mortuary science from Vincennes University. We also opened French Funeral Home in May 1995.

I grew up in West Terre Haute and graduated from West Vigo High School, class of 1976. I then attended Indiana State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing, class of 1980. I loved being a nurse and taking care of patients and their families. Today, I still feel like that is what I do: take care of patients after death and guide their families in the beginning of their personal grief walk. Helping a family create a tribute for their loved one is just one step in their grief journey.

Chuck and I were married May 11, 1985. We have a marriage that has endured many peaks and valleys, and I am happy to say that he is “my best friend.” Our favorite time of the day is our evening talk about the day’s events and what to plan for tomorrow. We are the proud parents of Nick French, Justin Garzolini, Katie Weddle and Shelby French and the addition of our ever expanding family, with grandchildren increasing in the numbers!

Our family has learned over the years that their parents work a lot! Sunday dinners may have to change at the last minute and vacations may be postponed, but that is just the way we have to be. We care for the families of Clay County and the surrounding communities, and sometimes our own families must adjust to changes. Change is a constant in our lives, just as our love for our family is a constant.

Lexi grew up in Bloomington, Indiana.  Lexi and her husband Mike live in Brazil along with their two dogs, Bruce and Baker. She graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in 2016 and became a licensed funeral director in 2018. In 2022, Lexi earned the Certified Preplanning Consultant credential from the National Funeral Directors Association. Lexi is a deputy coroner with the Clay County Coroner’s Office and the Boone County Coroner's Office.   She is currently enrolled at Indiana University East pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

Nick is a lifelong resident of Brazil.  He graduated from Northview High School in 1995 and earned an associate's degree in mortuary science in 2003 from Vincennes University.  He became a licensed funeral director the following year.

Nick is currently serving on the board of directors for the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Funeral Directors Association Education Foundation.

He married Jennifer Orr in 2004; together they have two sons Kaden Donald and Liam Charles. After hours, Nick enjoys traveling with his family, taking his boys fishing, and being outdoors.

Jim has worked for French Funeral Home since 2002. He grew up on a farm in Owen County near Cataract, IN and moved to Brazil in 1997. Prior to coming to the funeral home, Jim was in the banking business for 30 years.

Jim and his wife, Cheryl, attend First United Methodist Church in Brazil and enjoy family time with their children and 7 grandchildren. They also enjoy traveling when they get the chance.

The daughter of Chuck and Susie French, Katie started working at the funeral home in the fall of 2009. She graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in marketing. Katie and Nick have partnered together to develop the advertising for the funeral home.  Katie handles the day-to-day financial aspect of the business; she also assists families with insurance claims. Katie enjoys being a Mommy to her son Charlie, cooking and baking, doing fun things with Charlie, spending time with friends, being an aunt and taking her adored dog Melvin on walks.

Son of the late Don and Katherine French, Chuck grew up in Brazil, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana State University and Indiana University and was in the first family practice residency group at Union Hospital. He established his medical practice in 1979 in Terre Haute, moving his office to Brazil in September 2000 to be closer to home.

Chuck returned to school in 1996 for his degree in mortuary science and maintains a funeral director’s license in both Indiana and Illinois. Balancing a busy medical practice while assisting at the funeral home, Chuck blesses us with his background and knowledge. He is proud to have served as the 127th president of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, and he remains active on the Education Foundation Board and Ethics Committee.

Chuck is well known for his hobby of restoring antique tractors and cars. In his free time, Chuck enjoys his grandchildren, working in the yard and gardening, reading, relaxing with friends, and — most important — his family.

Thomas Hofmann has resided in Brazil his whole life. He began his career in the funeral service in 1978 under the supervision of Lawson-Slack Funeral Home. He retired from the United States Army in 2005. He has been a part of our family since 2000. He received his Crematory Certification through CANA and Matthews International Crematory Services.

He married the love of his life, Jean Ann in 2011. After hours, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four legged children, Tobey the Basset and Haley the Rattier. His hobbies are model air crafts, mushroom hunting, and working in the yard.