Gerald Lewis Kawalec, age 70, of Free Soil, Michigan, died Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gerald was born on August 20, 1955 in Manistee, Michigan the son of the late Lewis and Dorothy (Sowa) Kawalec. He was a graduate of Free Soil High School with class of 1974. Until his retirement, he was employed for over 40 years, with the Reynolds Boxes Inc of Fountain, Michigan. In his younger years he enjoyed taking care of the family farm as well as tending to his huge vegetable garden, which he grew yearly. Jerry also enjoyed lending a hand to his friends and neighbors, helping them on their farms. He was a member of St, John Cantius Catholic Church of Free Soil.

He is survived by his son Richard Andrew Kawalec-Johnson of Manistee, MI, two sisters, Lorraine Carlson of Manistee, MI, and Beverly Kawalec of Free Soil, MI, two brothers and a sister in-law, Tony Kawalec of Stanton, MI, and Frank and Debbie Kawalec of Manistee, MI. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Dorothy (Sowa) Kawalec, his infant niece, Brittany Kawalec and by his brother-in-law, Glen Carlson Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 19, 2026 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil, Michigan at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jacob Zemaitis celebrant. Burial will follow at the St. John Cantus Church Cemetery. Family and friends will pray the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, Michigan on Thursday evening. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.