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Katherine Abramowski
Katherine Bernice Abramowski, 98, of Free Soil, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility. She was born on Sept. 19, 1927 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Green) Abramowski.
She was seven years old when her parents relocated to Free Soil, from Detroit in 1934. She had been a member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church of Free Soil for well over 90 years, and a member of the Rosary Society of the church. Katherine was very active at the church during her lifetime, taking care of the linens, vestments, flowers and many weekly activities, that needed attending too.
During her working career she was employed at the Glen of Michigan, Stokley’s Van Camp canning factory in Scottville and at the Cold Stream Farms Nursery in Free Soil. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and giving her work to her family and friends.
She survived her long-time fiancée, William Smejkal.
Katherine is survived by her niece, Jeanne Helminski and her nephew Robert “Bob” and Marsha Dilworth, her cousin, Rosemarry Musculus as well as many other cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mary Abramowski; her brother and sister in-law, Ben and Laura Dilworth; and her fiancée, William Smejkal.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil, with Rev. Jacob Zemaitis celebrant. Burial will follow at the St. John Cantius Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday morning, one hour prior to the funeral mass, where the rosary will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. by the St. John Cantius Rosary Society.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to remember Katherine are asked to consider a donation in her name, to Saint. John Cantius Catholic Church or the Saint John Cantius Rosary Society. Envelopes will be available at the church on Tuesday morning.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.
