Bruce Edward Waligorski
November 19, 2022
On Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 2:33 PM, Bruce Edward Waligorski passed from this life unexpectedly. Bruce was 68 years old. He was born on January 6, 1954, in Manistee to the late Eugenia (Jean) and Edward Waligorski.
Bruce retired from Packaging Corporation of America in 2019, where he worked for many years as a welder. Following retirement, he loved to spend time in his shop utilizing his skills creating and repairing things for friends, family, and the community. Bruce, referred to himself and was known by all, as "The Mayor of rural Anderson Road/Chief, Michigan". He was often seen motoring around Eight Mile Road/Anderson Road in his Polaris Ranger, along with canine companions, Maisey, Bear, Gus, and Piper, visiting neighbors and friends, doling out "advice" and monitoring the latest happenings. Bruce married the love of his life, Vicki Eileen Gustafson, January 14, 1984. Together, they resided on the family farm near Kaleva.
Bruce was preceded in death by his mother Jean, father Ed, and son Garrett; along with his canine companions, Maisey and Bear. Survivors include son, Mason Waligorski, daughter, Kelli (Waligorski) Norton, son-in-law Joe Norton, and grandchildren Kendall Waligorski, Kian, Odin, and Fiona Norton. Bruce's large circle of friends spread across Kaleva, Manistee, and Onekama survive to help mourn and remember his life.
A celebration of Bruce's life, everything he was to the world, those impacted with his generosity, infectious smile, and mischievous nature, will be held at a later date.
The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made to www.barzfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Manistee News Advocate on Nov. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Waligorski

15 Entries

Debra Laws

November 19, 2023

Dear Vicki and Kelli -

I regret not having posted something here a year ago. Maybe I thought someone else would include a meaningful 4-H memory. And then again, maybe today – one year later – thoughts and memories are needed even more.

Years ago, the two of you - and Bruce – were an essential part of the Manistee County 4-H program and more specifically, the Manistee County 4-H Horse Council. You all dedicated your skills and talents to club and council leadership and membership in very real and valuable ways. The time you gave daily, weekly, monthly, and annually to meetings, events, clinics and shows - and even barn labor – cannot be measured.

And speaking of barn labor, that 4-H Horse Barn at the fairgrounds was changed forever because of Bruce. His handiwork is everywhere. Granted, it isn’t the grand showplace that many arenas and fairgrounds boast, but it was our barn - and that’s what mattered. And it needed Bruce. I recall walking through it after his remodeling work was completed and thinking, “now this is what a horse barn is supposed to look like!”

I have an unusual memory of Bruce: He served as president of the horse council for some years. It was often the custom of 4-H council presidents – and sometimes other officers – to stop in and visit with me prior to their respective monthly meetings. Sometimes it was to check and see that I had actually added an agenda item that they might have requested earlier in the month, other times it was to inquire if there might be cause for concern regarding the upcoming meeting, and sometimes it was just to catch up (and maybe even venta little).

On this particular evening, early evening actually, Bruce stopped in before the horse council meeting. (At the time, the MSU Extension office was located on US 31, in the Conservation District building). The sun was low in the sky but hadn’t set yet. Suddenly in our conversation, the glare of the sun kind of hit Bruce sideways so that I could no longer see him. There was just light. I kept thinking how kind of challenging it was to talk to someone I could hear but not see, but I knew the sun would shift and change things and I would see his face again.

Vicki and Kelli - I know it may be challenging right now to talk to Bruce and not see him but still feel that you can hear him. He is with the light. Someday, time will shift and change things – and you will see his face again.

“The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
- Numbers 6: 24-26

Debra Laws

Kathleen Cabot

December 2, 2022

Vickie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is hurting for you. Such sadness. Kathe and Shorty Cabot

Paul Bosschem

November 27, 2022

We go all the way back when he worked at Bassarab´s Olds. He was a one of the kind people we know and respect. If you needed it repaired and welded he was the go to guy. We all have been honored and blessed to have known Bruce. Our deepest sympathy to Vicky and his family.

Geoff

November 25, 2022

Bruce was the best.

Darlene A. Miller

November 25, 2022

Vicki and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bruce was a year behind me in school. I remember him as being a fun and friendly guy. I pray that with the help of our Lord, He will give you His comfort, strength, love and peace as you go on. I will keep you in my prayers. RIP Bruce.

Darlene Miller

Robert and Linda Krause

November 25, 2022

Our sincere condolences to Vicki and your family. So sad as this moment may be here, there's a great celebration and reunion in heaven with all who knew him. As a childhood friend and later as a co-worker at PCA we reflected on Bruce turning into a person who would help anyone in need. So grateful to have known him. Rest in peace till I meet you again.

mike dinkel

November 24, 2022

When your a tradesperson to work with a man of Bruce's caliber is a pleaser and honor we only did a few jobs i i respected and respect him dearly i will miss seeing him while i'm out in the neighborhood God Bless Ya Vick So Sorry, Dinkel .

Mike Labbe

November 24, 2022

My thoughts and prayers go out to you Vicki and your family. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through with this time. Bruce was so talented and was always my go to guy At work and after retirement ,Whenever I needed a project Fabbed up or taken care of. He was the man. I'm sure I am not the only one that feels that way, He always treated me as a good friend and I will miss him.

Ken Krause

November 24, 2022

My sincere condolence to the family for their loss. To the time we played in the sand with our trucks, to the times we stayed at the cottage on Portage Lake fishing. Thanks for being my friend

Christie Johnson

November 24, 2022

I'm so sorry Vicky...

Bethel Assante

November 23, 2022

My sincere sympathy to Vicki and family, my heart is breaking for you all. Please know I am thinking of you at this most difficult time and always. Lovingly your friend, Bethel Assante

Steve Dontz

November 23, 2022

Bruce was one of my best friends for over 52 years. He was always there to give a hand if you ever had a problem, he was the guy who could figure things out. We spent a lot of time fishing since he retired and had a lot of good times over the years. I´m going to miss him a lot, he was a truly good friend.

Heather schram

November 23, 2022

We are sending our love , may you find comfort and peace during this difficult time

[email protected]

November 23, 2022

Condulance to all his family May our Lord give them strength to endure this unexpected loss
God Bless

Bill Ross

November 23, 2022

Welding, he was known as a rod burner at PCA. A wonderful warm soft-spoken man!

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