Wendy Lynn (Todd) Hallgren died unexpectedly in a vehicle accident on her way to facilitate a grief support group on May 13, 2026.

She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 42 years, Jon, a daughter Amber (Nathan) Krynock, sons Nick (Ashley) Hallgren and Matt Hallgren. She has sixteen grandchildren: Will, Caleb, Ellie, Ben and Norah Krynock, Forrest, Trudy and Hank Hallgren, Josie Noe and her daughter Faye, Ike and Sam Andrews, Ida, Essie, Jack and Margaret Hallgren. Her sister Rachelle Jipping and children, her brother Rick Todd and children and her mother Nancy Forkel will all miss her. Wendy’s two best friends Holly Shashaguay and Tracy Barthold and their families were as close to her as any blood family. She was preceded in death by her father Ralph Todd, her Hallgren parents Larry and Jeanne, and her treasured daughter-in-law Jessica Hallgren.

Wendy’s family and friends will gather together for a memorial service on May 20th, 2026 at 6 pm at the Overisel Emporium in Overisel, Michigan to remember her life and grieve together. Her burial will be on her beloved homestead in Hamilton, Michigan.

Wendy’s life was framed by joy. Joy in raising her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Joy in always putting others first. Joy in creativity. Joy in animatedly sharing stories from her life that were so hilarious they were almost unbelievable. Joy in exploring deep thought and studying scripture. And joy found in obedience to God.

Joy: a deep abiding emotion of great delight. A settled state of inner peace that exists alongside hardship and grief.

In 1984, when she was 19, Wendy met Jesus and was transformed. She became a different young woman – from wild hippie child to passionate follower of Jesus. She was determined to follow Him no matter the cost and that determination never wavered in the following decades, regardless of the hardships and heartbreaks that came amidst the joys and blessings of her life. Wendy found herself a part of many different communities throughout the years, though never felt totally accepted by any. She didn’t fit in but it had nothing to do with her bohemian clothing, funky earrings, many headscarves, or the tzitzit pinned to the corners of her dress. If anything, people were drawn to her because of her colorful appearance and personality to match. She stood out because she was determined to align herself with God’s Word. Always. Even if it sometimes cost her friends or required deep sacrifice.

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God.” Romans 12:2

She embodied the quote from St. Francis of Assisi,

“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary”.

Meeting Wendy was enough to know that she was walking a different path - one of integrity, conviction, and inner peace. She strove to love. To provoke goodness. To gently advise, but always first direct the seeker to Jesus - the Way, the Truth and the Life. The love she extended to those around her flowed from her obedience to this Scripture:

“Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord, rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12

The name Wendy means “friendship” and “nurturing mother”. How apt; she spent her life serving others. Before her own children and grandchildren came along, she pursued an early childhood education degree. Throughout Wendy’s life it was her great joy to care for many children. Making messy crafts, playing games, teaching little ones to read, instilling good character into them - these things brought her much happiness.

Wendy recently wrote in her daily devotional journal, “How we love shows how we know Him.” Wendy loved fiercely with her whole heart; she didn’t leave love unexpressed. She did the hard things. She offered grace when judgement and pettiness came cheaper. Above all she was a faithful servant to Jesus; a wife, mother and grandmother who loved well; and a cherished confidant who will never be replaced.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

At the time of her death, Wendy left many projects unfinished. Among them: beautiful antique sewing machines unrestored, her decades old sourdough starter waiting to be fed, the wool from her beloved angora goats still on her spinning wheel, and yards of fabric yet to be dyed and sewn into splendiferous garments. All these things are left undone and will have to be finished by others. The path God had for Wendy turned out to be much shorter than we expected, but the love and forgiveness Wendy received from God is never ending. She poured that love right back into her friends and family. And forgiveness? Yes, Wendy gracefully extended that to all as well.

Eternal forgiveness and salvation is as close as a prayer offered to The Father.

“For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

Wendy’s Life Song:

“More of You, less of me,

That’s what I want my life to be”