Bruce Richard Wallin

Bruce Richard Wallin, a mechanical engineer and resident of Rockford, Illinois, died unexpectedly on April 28th, 2018, at the age of 59.

Bruce was born on March 22nd, 1959 to Wayne Roger and Jacqueline Ruth (née Snyder) Wallin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and in 2002 received a Master of Engineering in Professional Practice degree from the same. He spent his entire career at Sundstrand/United Technology Aerospace Systems as a mechanical engineer. Bruce loved his job and achieved his career goal through his recent promotion to Senior Technical Fellow by United Technologies Corporation.

Bruce married his wife, Lizabeth (née Sandlin) Wallin on December 18th, 1987. The two spent several years travelling, camping, and canoeing before having three children, Kelly Kristen (25); Evan Axel (23); and Michael Gunnar (20) Wallin. A true Badger for life, Bruce and his family regularly attended football and hockey games at the University of Wisconsin. Bruce was also an active member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. He enjoyed spending time outside, whether he was working in the yard or taking his children on scenic vacations all over the country. Bruce will be fondly remembered by his family for his unique sense of humor, thoroughly “engineer” personality, and quiet, dedicated love. His children will always recall his immortal life lesson, “two hands on the stick, stick on the ice.”
Bruce is survived by his wife, Lizabeth (née Sandlin) Wallin; his three children, Kelly Kristen, Evan Axel, and Michael Gunnar Wallin; his mother, Jacqueline Ruth (née Snyder) Wallin; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert Roger and Nancy Ann (née Nethers) Wallin; his sister and sister-in-law, Deborah Jean Wallin and Dedra Stewart; and his sister-in-law, Patricia (née Walsh) Wallin. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Roger Wallin; and his brother David Allen Wallin.

A celebration of life will be held at Prairie Street Brewhouse (200 Prairie Street, Rockford, Illinois 61107), from 3-6 pm on Saturday, May 5th, 2018 (black pants and white shirt optional). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Bruce’s honor (www.allwaysforward.org). Correspondence may be directed to brucew32259@gmail.com.