Roger Edward Hallgren

Roger Edward Hallgren, 87, of Hartford passed away June 1, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born March 3, 1927, in Norway, Mich., the only child of Edward and Ellen (Franson) Hallgren. Both his parents preceded him in passing, along with his wife, Muriel, in 1997.

Roger graduated from Norway High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a scholar-athlete at Northern Michigan University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1952. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1965 from Western Michigan University.

He began his teaching career at Hartford High School in 1952. During his 34-year career there he served as teacher, coach, athletic director and principal who touched the lives of many. He restarted the track program in 1960. His successes as a teacher and coach of many sports earned him an induction into the Michigan Coaches Hall Of Fame in 1986.

A celebration of Roger's life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford. He will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

The family will welcome friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014, at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Roger's memory be made to the Hartford Athletic Department or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

Roger is survived by his wife, Carole, whom he married in 1999; a daughter, Linda (Vere) Shindedecker of Hartford; three sons: Eric (Beth) Hallgren of Hartford, Michael (Jill) Hallgren of Hartford and Dr. Steven (Debbie) Hallgren of Kalamazoo.; a stepson, Ron Foster of Florida; two step-daughters, Stephanie (Ric) Sampson of Three Rivers and Julie Walters of Mattawan; 21 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.