Marcel Keraval
Marcel Joseph Marie Keraval, 84, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, leaving behind a life defined by passion, generosity, and an enduring love for food, family, and connection.
Born on May 31, 1941, in Laz, France, Marcel was one of eleven children. At just 13 years old, he left home to attend culinary school, beginning a lifelong journey devoted to his craft. His career took him through kitchens in France, The Bahamas, New York, and Omaha before he ultimately settled in St. Louis, Missouri, which he proudly called home for 50 years.
In St. Louis, Marcel became a cherished figure in the culinary community as a chef and co-owner of two highly successful French restaurants, L’Auberge Bretonne and Café de France. These family-owned restaurants were co-owned and managed alongside his wife, Monique, with her sister Rachel and brother-in-law Jean-Claude Guillossou, reflecting a shared commitment to hospitality, tradition, and excellence. He introduced generations of diners to the art of French cooking and hospitality.
Marcel had a rare gift. He never met a stranger, and he believed deeply in the power of a shared table. Any occasion could become a fête in his hands, marked by laughter, good wine, and food made with care and intention. His legacy lives on in the countless memories created in his restaurants and in the lives of those who learned from him, worked alongside him, or simply sat down to enjoy a meal he prepared.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Monique Keraval, with whom he had just celebrated their wedding anniversary on December 27; his daughter, Elizabeth Cordes; his grandchildren, Stella and Ben Cordes; and beloved family in the United States, France, and Canada.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. Details will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Marcel’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Marcel’s energy, warmth, and bright smile always stood out, and it was so clear how much he loved his family and cooking for others. He will be remembered with so much love.
Our sympathies go to you and your family. Marcel, Monique, Jean-Claude and Rachel taught me so much in my youth. They are forever in my heart and I am so blessed and grateful to know them. I look forward to the spring for the Celebration of Life. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Monique our heart goes out to you. Marcel was truly a great teacher, mentor and friend.
I’m sorry for your loss, Elizabeth and Monique. Marcel had a profound influence on me professionally and personally, and still to this day had the best sense of humor of anyone I’ve ever known. All my best,
Gabriel Liberman
Monique, Elizabeth and Family
My condolences for the loss of Marcel. He was a great mentor and the best teacher a young chef could have had. I loved his stories and still think of my time with him in the kitchen almost everyday! I will continue to tell my cooks about him and teach them the techniques he taught me. My family and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Philip Day
Chef Marcel was a Chefs Chef, it was his life’s passion and passion he had, I learned many things about food, life, cooking, culture, camaraderie, and common sense lessons that I hold dear to me today, God Bless to the mentor of many, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. JVK~
We used to live next door to him. I was 3-4 years old, and I would sometimes wander over to his house to be happily welcomed by him and fed delicious food. Very great memory.
Our deepest sympathies. Remembering Marcel with fond memories of wonderful meals and laughter. Marcel’s passion for his craft and life was truly a gift. Thinking of you and sending hugs and love.
Cheri Barnard
Our deepest sympathies. Remembering Marcel with fond memories of wonderful meals and laughter. Marcel’s passion for his craft and life was truly a gift. Thinking of you and sending hugs and love.
Dear Elizabeth and Monique,
My deepest condolences…. Marcel lived a beautiful life and touched so many by his passion, artistry and kindness. Sending prayers of strength, comfort and peace, and lots of love. Please let me know the details for his celebration of life. Much love to you both and your family, Cindi
We are so sorry to hear of Marcel’s passing. We met him while we visited our friend Ron at Big Bend Woods. Marcel was always a joy to spend time with and he and Ron became good buddies while enjoying their “cowboy coffee” together. We are now enjoying finding out about his reputation as a great chef and restaurateur. We will miss visiting with him and Ron is definitely missing him every day.
He was, simply, the BEST! A kind man who was a Great Chef!