Willard Eugene Lafler, age 89, of Fulton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2026, with his beloved wife, Maysie, by his side.

For 67 years, Willard and Maysie shared a love and partnership that was at the heart of everything they did. From their younger years, when they spent evenings square dancing at the Leonidas dance hall, to the many years that followed, they were rarely apart. Together, they worked hard, raised their family, explored the outdoors, and built a life filled with memories. Willard never took off his wedding ring—a small but lasting reminder of the love and devotion he had for Maysie.

Family was Willard’s greatest source of pride and gratitude. He and Maysie built a family that meant everything to him, and he was immensely proud of the people their family became. He was always there when someone needed him, whether it was fixing a car, repairing a house, helping with a project, or simply lending a hand. He was the person his family could count on.

Willard was a hard worker his entire life. He spent 43 years working at the paper mill, but his skills extended far beyond his job. There was very little he could not figure out or fix. He was a gifted carpenter and handyman who could work on just about anything involving cars or houses. He built garages and roofs, installed flooring, worked on homes, and could seemingly always find a way to repair what was broken. He never hesitated to use those skills to help the people he loved.

Some of Willard’s happiest memories were made outdoors with his family. He was an avid fisherman, especially enjoying bass, perch, and bluegill. He had a fishing boat both up north and at home, and Maysie was always his first mate. They fished together, ice fished together and shared that love of the water with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Willard loved bringing home a good catch and, even more, sharing it with his family at the fish fries they enjoyed together.

He was also a passionate mushroom hunter. Every May, Willard took his family into the woods, passing along not only his knowledge of mushroom hunting but also his deep appreciation for nature. He happily shared his favorite spots, affectionately known as places like “The Long Walk” and “Old Faithful.” There was nothing that made him happier than seeing one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren discover a mushroom on their own. He was always excited to teach, share, and watch the next generation develop the same love for the woods that he had.

Willard also had a fascination with rocks and was an avid rock collector. He could often be found with a rock—or several—in his pocket, ready to show someone in the family. To Willard, every rock had something interesting about it: its history, its uniqueness, or simply the wonder of where it came from. He had a way of finding beauty and curiosity in the little things and sharing that sense of wonder with those around him.

He spent hundreds of hours and countless miles snowmobiling with family and friends on the trails around Baldwin, Michigan. Whether fishing, mushroom hunting, collecting rocks, snowmobiling, or simply enjoying time together, Willard found his greatest happiness in being outdoors and sharing those experiences with the people he loved.

Above all, Willard was a family man. His greatest accomplishment was not the homes he built, the things he fixed, or the many years he worked. It was the family he and Maysie built together. He was a husband who deeply loved his wife, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who was immensely proud of his family, and a man who was grateful for every opportunity to spend time with them.

Willard is survived by his wife and love of his life, Maysie Lafler; his son, Willard Lafler; along with 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; countless nieces and nephews; and 3 sisters-in-law, Susie Belote, Sandy Mesler, and Robin Lafler. He was preceded in passing by his parents, James and Neva Lafler; his sons, Timothy Lafler and Edward Lee Lafler; 3 brothers, Jim Lafler, Butch Lafler, and Tom Lafler; his sister, Joan Sleeman; his daughter-in-law, Tori Lafler; 3 brothers-in-law, Butch Belote, Harry Mesler, and David Sleeman; and in-laws, LJ and Iola Mesler.

Willard leaves behind a lifetime of memories, lessons, stories, and traditions that will continue through the family he was so proud to build. His love for Maysie, his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his love of the outdoors will remain part of his family for generations to come.

In honor of Willard’s wishes, cremation is being conducted. A private family gathering will take place at a later date. It is suggested that donations made in Willard’s name be directed to Centrica Care Navigators. Condolences and memories may be expressed to his family at eickhofffuneralhome.com