Fred Janofsk

WILSON — Fred Janofski, 97 of Wilson, Mich. passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 surrounded by his family. His farm in Gourley Township has been in the family for 118 years and Fred lived on the property for all of his 97 years and was honored in 2006 by having his property designated as a Michigan Historical Centennial Farm. In 2021 Fred gave permission to the Gourley Township Historical Society to have an open house so people could walk through the house and outbuildings and enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Fred was born in the first family home, a log building, on March 15, 1927 to Jon and Filomena (Kalishek) Janofski. On February 8, 1947, Fred married Arlene DeGrave in Escanaba, Mich. Fred and Arlene shared 65 years of marriage together until her passing on July 12, 2012. He was a founding member of the Gourley Township Fire Department, served on the Carney Nadeau Public School board and was always willing to give time and assistance to community projects. Fred was a longtime active member of St. Bruno Catholic Church. He was a farmer, woodsman and truck driver. Fred was an avid Detroit Tiger and Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed tinkering in the garage, camping and hunting. He loved reading the newspaper, and enjoyed the Eagle Herald and Daily Press for over 75 years. Fred was a quiet man who would help anyone at any time. Most importantly, Fred’s greatest treasure of all was his family.