Frees mark 60th anniversary

Carol and Jack "John" Free of Kalispell celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 10, 2026.  

They were married at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1966. In June 1966, both graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jack in mechanical engineering and Carol in recreation and education. They settled in West Bend, Wisconsin, and welcomed two children, Michael and Suzanne, to the family. Jack worked at the West Bend cookware company.  

In 1978, Jack was hired by Anaconda Aluminum Company of Columbia Falls. The young family settled in Kalispell. Carol worked for Flathead County Parks and Recreation. She helped introduce soccer to the Flathead Valley. 

The Frees were known for playing alphorns in Glacier National Park and at various events with the Bavarian Echoes.  They are also known for their dancing at Oktoberfests and the Eagles. 

Son Michael Free makes his home in Whitefish. Daughter Suzanne Rohrbach lives in Kalispell. Suzy and her late husband have two sons, Klaus and Patrick Rohrbach. Both are married and live in Tampa, Florida. 

Jack and Carol celebrated their anniversary with the whole family in late August.