Hildur Makielski

Hildur Ruth (Sangren) Makielski, age 95, daughter of WMU President Paul Sangren and Flossie Sangren, died at her home in Ann Arbor, MI on 6/17/2026. Hildur grew up in Kalamazoo, MI in the WMU "Oaklands" house; attended Western State HS in Kalamazoo, and graduated from MSU. Hildur married Donald Makielski in 1952; they shared 66 loving years together before his death in 2019. She taught in public schools and pre-schools, and worked as a tax professional for many years. Hildur and Don had 5 children: Kathleen Makielski (Doug Wilson), James (deceased), Paul (deceased) (Jamie), Sandra Makielski (Carl Lindstrom), and Ward (Maryellen Torres). Hildur also had 10 grandchildren plus nieces and nephews who enriched her life. Hildur's brother Ward Sangren, another Kalamazoo native, died in 2019, and is survived by his wife Ruth.