Donald E. Wallgren

Donald Elmer Wallgren, 91, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, with family at his side.

He was born January 26, 1931, in Rockford to C. Elmer and Anna Wallgren. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, and eventually attended Rock Valley College, earning a two-year degree in electrical engineering. He married Maryella (Elsie) Wallgren on December 26, 1954.

Don repaired household appliances for a living, including at National Appliance, Al Grace Appliance and TV Center, and Sears. Eventually he started his own appliance repair service. Even into his late eighties, he serviced the washers and dryers at Rockford Washer on North Main Street. He told his friends and family, “I’m an old Maytag repairman and I’m one of the few people left who know how to fix old Maytags.”

He and Elsie were members of the old Silver Hill Evangelical Free Church and Loves Park Evangelical Free Church. More recently they worshipped at the First Evangelical Free Church.

He is survived by his children Cynthia Scott Day of South Bend, IN; Steven Wallgren and Ronald (Angela) Wallgren, both of Machesney Park; and Rebecca Wallgren of Rockford. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie, his parents, his brother Willard, his sister Barbara Magill, and an infant son, David Duane (1965).

Don will be remembered as an energetic father and grandfather who loved to fish, boat, and camp. He was a member of the Rockford Yacht Club. A fan of country music, he taught himself to play guitar as a young man. He frequented antique car and tractor shows throughout his life. Always active, Don roller-skated well into his later years and deeply valued the many friendships he made along the way.

Visitation is between 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, and at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial is at 2:30 p.m. at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling.