Ilse Gabriela Sjogren

Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Ilse Gabriela (Schweitzer) Sjogren, passed peacefully on January 6, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones. She was a gentle soul who brought delight to those who knew her. Ilse lived 87 years with a positive attitude and kept a sense of humor when navigating the toughest of life’s challenges. Ilse was born in Periam, Romania on May 29, 1938, the only child of John and Margaret Schweitzer. She made sure that everyone remembered her birthday!

After escaping war to safety in Austria, her parents brought her to Dearborn, Michigan, a defining turn in her journey. She excelled in her studies and graduated with honors from Highland Park Junior College as a secretary. She was masterful at shorthand and could type 100 words per minute. Her first position was at the prestigious Dykema Gossett Law Firm housed in the Guardian Building of Detroit, Michigan. Her career led her to positions as secretary at Chrysler Motor Corporation and administrative secretary at Holy Cross Hospital in Detroit. Ilse met the love of her life, Bill Sjogren, while sunbathing on Metro Beach (Lake St. Clair).

Ilse and Bill built their home in Warren, Michigan and had 2 children, Judith and David. Neighbors from Dearborn and Warren became their lifelong friends. Ilse was a talented oil painting artist, creating both landscapes and portraits. She enjoyed golfing with her husband Bill and joined a league at Fern Hill Golf Club in Clinton Township. She was active with the Red Hat Society and traveled with her friends to Mackinac Island, Europe and Florida, making many fun memories. Ilse put her grandchildren's needs above her own. She will be missed and forever in our hearts.

Ilse is survived by her daughter, Judy Wagner (spouse David), son David Sjogren (spouse Tammy), and grandchildren Abigail and Colin Wagner, Jeremy and Bret Sjogren (spouse Sydney). She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 from 10am until 11am with a funeral service beginning at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, 200 East Main Street, Northville. Rev. Jacqueline Spycher will officiate the service. Ilse will be laid to rest at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Northville using the donation envelopes provided at the church.