Free Soil Community Schools Alumni Association

Free Soil Community Schools Alumni Association Free Soil Community Schools Alumni Association
P.O. Box 142
Free Soil, Michigan 49411

Opening in 1913, Free Soil Community Schools grew into a two-building K-12 school. Unfortunately, due to declining enrollment, the high school closed in 2007 and elementary closed in 2010. Free Soil was originally the name of the township in 1855 in this northern section of Mason County, then later the village in 1915. During the lumber boom it became a regular stop on the Pere Marquette Railroad.

Its name came from the "Free Soil," or anti-slavery party originally organized in New York in 1848. The idea for the name originated with Charles Freeman at the first township meeting in 1855, where members of a newly-formed lumbering community called Free Soil Mills expressed strong feelings about the matter. Today, the big lumber is gone, but the village has survived as a successful farming community. Fertile soil has resulted in a variety of crop production, especially apple and peach orchards.

We have lost Pirate Anthony Richard “Bosco” Gajeski, a 1964 Graduate & a 2011 Inductee with the 1961 Free Soil High Scho...
04/23/2026

We have lost Pirate Anthony Richard “Bosco” Gajeski, a 1964 Graduate & a 2011 Inductee with the 1961 Free Soil High School Basketball Team into the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame.

Anthony Richard Gajeski

December 19, 1945 - April 18, 2026

Anthony Richard Gajeski, age 80, of Fountain, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his daughter Sheri’s home, in Kentwood, Michigan on Saturday morning, April 18, 2026. He was born on December 19, 1945 in Manistee, Michigan and was the son of the late George and Celia (Rybicki) Gajeski. He was a graduate of Free Soil High School with the class of 1964. Tony married his high school sweetheart, Kay “Kitty” Schwass on November 4, 1967 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer, Michigan. Kay preceded him in death on January 21, 2011.

He began working at the Hardy Salt Company in Manistee while still attending high school, and continued with the company, through the Diamond Crystal take over, until the company closed its operations in Manistee. He then was employed as the maintenance man at the Free Soil High School until his retirement. He was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Custer, Michigan. Tony was always there for family and friends when they needed help. He was also known by his friends for his “super sarcastic” sense of humor. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling in the Manistee bowling leagues, for many years. His hobbies included, hunting, fishing and camping, as well as tinkering around his home.

He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law; Sheri Gajeski and Jennifer and Jeff Christensen, his grandson, Bodie Christensen, two sisters and a brother-in-law, Alice and John Jozwiak and Arlene Gajeski, his sister-in-law, Lee Gajeski. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant sister Virginia Gajeski and by two brothers, Stanley and Stephen Gajeski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer, Michigan with Reverend Jacob Zemaitis celebrant. A luncheon will follow the mass at the St. Mary’s Church Hall. Graveside service will be held, at the St. John Cantius Cemetery, in Free Soil, Michigan at 2:30 p.m. also on Friday afternoon.

The family will receive friends at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, Michigan, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 8:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Friday morning, one hour prior to the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.

We have lost Pirate David Bruesch, a 1961 Graduate. David Charles BrueschMarch 20, 1943 - April 1, 2026David Charles Br...
04/11/2026

We have lost Pirate David Bruesch, a 1961 Graduate.

David Charles Bruesch

March 20, 1943 - April 1, 2026

David Charles Bruesch age 83, of Free Soil, Michigan, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Munson Medical center in Traverse City, Michigan. He was born on March 20, 1943 in Scottville, Michigan. Son of the late Harold and Anna (Gancarz) Bruesch. As a kid he loved hunting, fishing and baling hay for local farmers.

Dave was a graduate of Free Soil High School with the class of 1961.

He was a tank operator in the United States Army, in Germany, from 1962 until his discharge in 1964. While in the service, he also qualified as a rifle sharp shooter.

Dave married Barbara Morang on September 3, 1966 at Saint John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil, Michigan. Barbara preceded David in death on November 10, 2011.

Dave attended Muskegon Community College and then began his banking career, having been employed with Commercial Credit, Security National/Huntington Bank and until his retirement with Honor State Bank. He is a member of Saint John Cantius Catholic Church of Free Soil, where he was an active member of the parish, working on many parish activities, as well as being an usher for Sunday masses. Dave also enjoyed hunting and fishing in our local area as well as in Alaska and out west. He also loved to travel and just hang out with his friends.

Dave is survived by his fiancée Marilyn Mapes of Free Soil; his son Michael Bruesch of Free Soil; his daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and John Tyron of Fountain; his grandchildren, Jessica Bruesch of Manistee, Gage Tyron of Allendale, and Nyah (Cameron) Tyron-Mizer of Grand Rapids, his great grandchildren, Magnolia Tyron-Mizer, Lyria Hamilton, Renesmae Hamilton, and Braylee Bruesch; two brothers & sister-in-law, Daniel Bruesch and Charles (Sherry) Bruesch, and sister-in-law, Jeanne Bruesch. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was also preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, Harold and Anna (Gancarz) Bruesch, his brother Joseph Bruesch and his in-laws, Frank and Rose Morang and his brother-in-law, Bernard Morang.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 17, 2026 at Saint John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Jacob Zemaitis celebrant. Burial will follow at Saint John Cantius Church Cemetery where members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council will present David with graveside military honors.

The family will receive friends at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee on Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. and at the church on Friday morning, one hour prior to the funeral mass at 11:00 A.M.

A memorial will be established in Dave’s name for the Saint John Cantius Catholic Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home on Thursday and at the church on Friday. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.

04/07/2026

We have lost Pirate David Bruesch, a 1961 graduate.

David Charles Bruesch age 83, of Free Soil, Michigan, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Munson Medical center in Traverse City, Michigan.

He was born on March 20, 1943 in Scottville, Michigan. Son of the late Harold and Ann (Gancarz) Bruesch.

A complete obituary will be published in an upcoming edition of the Ludington Daily News.

The Herbert Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

We have lost pirate Georgia Meeker-Cobb. She attended Free Soil School thru 11th grade in 1954.Georgia Mae (Meeker) Cob...
04/02/2026

We have lost pirate Georgia Meeker-Cobb. She attended Free Soil School thru 11th grade in 1954.

Georgia Mae (Meeker) Cobb

January 22, 1936 - February 11, 2026

Georgia Mae (Meeker) Cobb, age 90, of Seymour, Tennessee, and formerly of Ludington, Michigan and Lakeland, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. She was born January 22, 1936, in White Cloud, Michigan, and from the very beginning lived a life marked by energy, determination, devotion, and joy.

Georgia was proud to be a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ludington Aerie 1354, an organization devoted to community service under the motto “People Helping People.” Her dedication and leadership were evident when she served as the First Madam President of the Grand Auxiliary from 1973–1974, faithfully supporting the mission and fellowship of the Aerie she helped establish. Her commitment to service was not simply membership, it was a reflection of her generous heart and belief in lifting others up. Her strong work ethic carried through every chapter of her life. She worked at Handy Things Manufacturing Company in Ludington and served 12 years as Cash Vault Clerk for the Detroit Tigers Spring Training at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fl. She also worked for SunTrust Bank until her retirement. Whether at the ballpark or the bank, Georgia brought integrity, reliability, and a warm smile to those around her.

Georgia embraced life with enthusiasm and courage. She loved music and dancing and had a special fondness for dogs (sometimes joking they were easier to understand than people). Her adventurous spirit never dimmed with age. At 70 years old, she went skydiving, proving that courage has no expiration date. Ziplining became one of her favorite pastimes, and she was always ready for the next adventure. She taught those around her that life is meant to be lived boldly and joyfully.

Above all, Georgia was a woman of deep and abiding faith. As a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Seymour, Tennessee, she lived her beliefs daily through kindness, compassion, and unwavering trust in the Lord. Her faith was her anchor and her guide.

Georgia’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent with those she loved, and her laughter, strength, and spirited nature will live on in each of them. Her legacy is one of love, service, resilience, and fearless living.

Georgia is missed beyond measure, loved beyond words, and will be remembered always.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Cobb; father, Roy Meeker; mother, Sylvia Giles; brothers, Robert Meeker (Marlene), Rodney Meeker (Alexandra), and Ga***rd Meeker; and brother-in-law, Michael Evans.

Georgia is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Jones (Gary); son, Richard Cobb (Lori); grandchildren, Kristopher Cobb ( Ashley), Joseph Cobb (Jessica), Jennifer Martin (Evan), Jason Yeck (Tiffany), and Ashley Yeck Lawson (Ben Mead); 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald Meeker (Virginia); sisters, Janet Evans and Kayleen Meeker; sister-in-law, Darlene Meeker; several nieces and nephews; and a host of loving extended family members and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to University of TN Medical Center Hospice, 4435 Valley View Dr., Suite 104, Knoxville, TN 37917.

In honor of Georgia’s wishes, her cremated remains will be scattered in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.

Robin Lee Arlt was on the Free Soil Board. August 22, 1959 - January 24, 2026It is with deep sorrow that the family anno...
02/04/2026

Robin Lee Arlt was on the Free Soil Board.

August 22, 1959 - January 24, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that the family announce the passing of Robin Lee Arlt, age 67, of Free Soil, Michigan on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 22, 1958 in Alpena, Michigan son of the late Melvin and Joyce (Patnode) Arlt. Robin was a graduate of Manistee High School and then attended West Shore Community College where he received his Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology on May 15, 1986. Robin married the love of his life, Roberta “Bobi” Edel on July 24, 1982 in Manistee, Michigan, in Marge Edel’s garden. Bobi and Robin renewed their vows on January 25, 2013, on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. He was employed most of his working career with Nick’s Radio and Electronics of Ludington, Michigan. He enjoyed playing his guitar, having formed a band in his early years known as “Close to Home.”

Robin, at age 16, began his career as a firefighter with the Kaleva Fire Department and moved on to the Grant Township Fire Department where he was an instructor and EMT. He took extreme pride in helping the new recruits with their training and certification. He was a great storyteller by nature and furthered that talent at Camp Sauble: Cages of Carnage.

He is survived by his wife, Bobi Edel, his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and John Dahlgren, three sons, Brandyn Arlt, Tristan Edel and Austin Edel, four grandchildren, Shawnda, Jeremiah, Cameron and Hayden, one great-grandson Banx, two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kim and Rhett Fields and Kricket and Terry Fitchner and his brother, Ron Arlt. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

A celebration of Robin’s life will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, Michigan with Pastor Joyce Newman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday commencing at 10:30 a.m. A Fireman’s ceremony and es**rt to the Grant Township Hall will take place following the service where lunch will be provided for family and friends. Grant Township Hall is located at 835 W. Hoague Rd.

Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Carolyn Jackoviak Class of 1966Carolyn J. (Jackoviak) GagnonApril 17, 1948 - January 17, 2026Carolyn J. Gagnon went to...
01/29/2026

Carolyn Jackoviak Class of 1966

Carolyn J. (Jackoviak) Gagnon

April 17, 1948 - January 17, 2026

Carolyn J. Gagnon went to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was 77 years old.

Carolyn was born on April 17, 1948, in Manistee, Michigan to parents John and Lorraine (nee Wobszel) Jackoviak. She attended Free Soil High School and graduated in the Class of 1966.
Carolyn was a home health aid with Horizon Home Health Care and Hospice. Her compassion and care never went unnoticed. Many of Carolyn’s patients loved her.

Carolyn loved dancing, bowling, attending prayer meetings, and listening to praise and worship music. She also enjoyed attending high school and college basketball games with her husband Richard. Above all, she cherished her time with family, especially visiting her family in Michigan.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband Richard, children Perry (Cheryl) Benn, Brian (Michelle) Benn, Mike (Jenny) Benn, Jerald Benn, Gina Kahn, and Melissa (Ben) Barningham. She is further survived by 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, her brother Jim (Dawn) Jackoviak, sisters Maryann Tuka, Betty (Tim) Baer, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law Frank Tuka.

A Memorial Service for Carolyn will be held at 11:30AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg (1167 Washington Ave Cedarburg, WI 53012). Father Tim Schumaker will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10AM until the time of the service at 11:30AM. She will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Lincoln Village, especially their caregivers Crystal and Lisa, and the nurses from Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.

We have lost Pirate Kenneth Hoadley. He attended school in Free Soil during the 1970's.April 4, 1961 - January 20, 20...
01/23/2026

We have lost Pirate Kenneth Hoadley. He attended school in Free Soil during the 1970's.

April 4, 1961 - January 20, 2026

Kenneth Samuel Hoadley, 64, passed away early in the morning on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his home in Free Soil, Michigan.

Born April 4, 1961, Manistee, Michigan, to Samuel and Bernadette Hoadley, Ken was the brother of Mary (Rick) Tyler, Roseann Sanders, and Daniel Hoadley. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, baby brother Michael, paternal grandparents Elmer and Lottie (Nelson) Hoadley, and maternal grandparents Michael and Theresa (Pepera) Gajeski.

Ken was an avid sports fan; watching his favorite teams was an enjoyable pastime. He enjoyed playing pool on several pool leagues in the area. He loved and appreciated his Hoxeyville Music Festival friends. Ken loved his dogs, Chloe and Kitty, and going for rides with his dear friends.

Ken received the gift of life that he treasured; a new kidney in September 1999. In 2012, Ken was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. Ken’s health journey was long, and he endured several treatments, but he was proud to be a medical science study.

A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Wednesday February 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Saint John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil with Father Jacob Zemaitis presiding.

The family will receive friends at the church from 10 A.M. until time of Mass. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Manistee, Michigan.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.GraceCremations.com

We have lost Pirate Carolyn Jackoviak Gagnon of Port Washington, Wisconsin, Class of 1966. She passed away Thursday, Ja...
01/18/2026

We have lost Pirate Carolyn Jackoviak Gagnon of Port Washington, Wisconsin, Class of 1966. She passed away Thursday, January 17, 2026. Funeral plans are pending.

We have lost pirate Charles ‘Chuck’ Hurd, 84, formerly of Manistee, a 1959 Graduate.December 17, 2025Charles “Chuck” Wil...
12/17/2025

We have lost pirate Charles ‘Chuck’ Hurd, 84, formerly of Manistee, a 1959 Graduate.

December 17, 2025

Charles “Chuck” William Hurd formerly of Manistee passed away at the home of his daughter and grandsons in VanBuren Township on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was the son of Charles and Adine (Lynch) Hurd, born in Pellston, on November 29, 1940.

He was a 1959 graduate of Free Soil High School. In high school he participated in sports, band and class play. Following high school, he attended Central Michigan University. After attending college, he joined the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he went to Hospital Corpsmen School and served at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va. Upon his return from the Navy, he attended technical school for draftsmen in the Houghton/Hancock area. Upon graduation he went to work for Michigan Consolidated Gas. In 1968 he was a draftsman for the re-building of the Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Chuck met his wife Laura while working in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They married in 1968.

After his dad passed away, he moved his family back to the Manistee area. After moving back to Manistee he worked at Iron Works in Manistee and at Metal Works in Ludington until his retirement. During this time he joined the Michigan National Guard in Manistee and retired from the Guard after 20 years.

His great hobbies in life were working on cars and playing his guitar. Many of his friends in high school will remember his car “Zorro”, a 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sedan.

Charles, Chuck, Charley, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Bro, friend. Whatever you called him each one has many stories of times spent with him.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter Jennifer Hurd, sons Robert (Jeanne) Hurd and Charles (Pam Porter) Hurd and grandchildren Zack, Alex, Morgan, Taya, McKenzie and Tricia, great grandchildren RJ, Nadia, Ronan, Logan and Nora, nieces and nephews, and brothers Pat (Bernita) and David (Jean) Hurd and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Laura (Styberski) Hurd and his sister Erin (Nancy) Hurd.

There are no funeral plans at this time.

12/17/2025

Daniel “Dan” Michael Meyers, 65, of Grand Haven, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by the music, laughter, and love that defined his remarkable life. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, educator, and musician, Dan’s life was outlined ...

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