Willard Samuel Wallgren

Willard Samuel Wallgren, 87, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, in Davie, Florida. He was born on August 21, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Willard C. Wallgren and Violet Schwinck Wallgren.

Willard graduated from Alma College in 1959. He joined the family-owned, Wallgren’s Market in Saginaw and then spent 23 years at General Motors, retiring in 1992. He continued his love for golf and spent many happy hours on the course. He moved to Saugatuck, Mi in 2005.

Willard had a passion for nature and wildlife photography. For 18 years, he captured the beauty of nature through his camera lens.  His work was shown in local galleries, calendars, publications and graces the collections of many Saugatuck residents and patrons of the area.

Willard was also a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw. His faith provided him with strength and guidance throughout his life.

Family meant everything to Willard. He will be dearly missed by those who were closest to him. He is survived by his former wife Carolyn (Wood) Wallgren; three children: Jennifer DiGiuseppe, Willard S. Wallgren II (Diane O'Connor), and Melinda Wimberley (Mark); four grandchildren: Michael Willard Annese (Gabby Arocha), Mark T. Wimberley (Carolina Argento), Kaitlin V. Wimberley (Angelo Castillo), and CaliRose M. DiGiuseppe (Dalton Riggs); and one great-grandchild: Terra Lily Castillo. Willard's love extended beyond immediate family; he had many relatives, nieces, nephews and godchildren whom he loved.

Willard is preceded in death by his beloved sister, Barbara Warner, brother-in-law The Rt Rev James Warner, his son-in-law, Jack DiGiuseppe and many other cherished close relatives.

Willard fostered lasting friendships in the community of Saugatuck. His friends will remember him as an avid birding enthusiast and a kind individual who generously shared his talents.

His life was also enriched by his affection for his dogs, most recently: Karmi and Lilly. They brought immense joy and companionship to his days.

A celebration of Willard’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on January 14, 2024, at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home, 371 NW 136^th Ave, Sunrise, FL 33325. Family and friends will be received 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Please visit their website at https://www.tmralph.com/.

Wishbone Pet Rescue was very dear to Willard's generous heart. Throughout the years, he supported their mission to find hope for abused and abandoned animals. Willard would be honored knowing those planning an expression of sympathy would consider donating to Wishbone Pet Rescue, 165 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406. Please visit their website at https://wishbonepetrescue.org/.

A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Saginaw, Michigan. Local arrangements were entrusted to W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please visit https://www.casefuneralhome.com to view Willard’s obituary, sign the online guest book, and leave messages for the family.