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 7:00 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.