William Ellsworth Bugard Jr

His Legacy… William “Bill” Ellsworth Bugard Jr, 87, passed away on January 27, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1938, in Plymouth, Michigan, to William Sr. and Ruth (Wollenhaupt) Bugard. On February 12, 1966, Bill married Dorotha Patrick, the love of his life, at Trinity Methodist Church in Fowlerville, Michigan. 

A farmer and electrician by trade, he developed a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and practical skills over the years and was described as a jack of all trades. He took pride in understanding how things worked and was always willing to share that knowledge with others.  

He especially loved tractors, and orange Allis-Chalmers models were his favorite. He collected and restored them, using them for daily tasks like baling hay, plowing snow, and mowing the lawn. He also brought many of his tractors to shows, where he enjoyed sharing his passion with others. 

Bill and Dorotha enjoyed traveling together, often by motorhome, eventually visiting every state in the United States. He also traveled to Ireland and Scotland, trips that were especially meaningful to him. Wherever he went, Bill took care to document life’s moments, enjoying photography, recording family memories with his camcorder, and keeping track of details large and small.  

Throughout his life, Bill served as a mentor to many, sharing not only his mechanical and electrical knowledge but also practical lessons learned through experience. Above all, he valued his family and friends deeply. Bill believed that acquaintances became friends, and friends became family, and he lived that belief every day.  

Bill will be missed by his loving wife, Dorotha Bugard; his children, Michael Bugard and Michelle Barker; his sister, JoAnn Windsor; his sister-in-law, Nancy Yarsevich; his grandchildren, Brooke Bergstrom and Benjamin Bergstrom; and his great-grandchildren, Evelynn Bergstrom and Cooper Bergstrom. He will also be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and who became part of his extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Ruth Bugard; his sister, Irene Haller; his brother-in-law, William Windsor; and his granddaughter, Lexus Bergstrom. 

His Farewell… William’s family and friends will gather on Friday, January 30th, 2026, from 4 PM - 7 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, Fowlerville, Michigan. A gathering will precede the Community Farewell on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes in Fowlerville, Michigan. The Community Farewell will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. Chaplin Adam Doyle will serve as the celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice House of Shiawassee. Please leave a message of comfort for William’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.