Robert Gerald Stefanek

In Loving Memory of Robert Gerald Stefanek
Robert Gerald Stefanek, born on February 21, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Theodore and Elizabeth Stefanek (nee Gurgul), left this world on December 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his brother Ronald, but is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne Matyjanowski Stefanek, whom he married on August 21, 1966, at Resurrection Church in Detroit.
Robert, affectionately known as Bob, is survived by his brother James of Atlanta, Georgia. He leaves behind a legacy of love and family through his five children: Susan (Steven) Willis of Howell, MI; Kenneth Stefanek of Belleville, MI; William Stefanek of Rochester, MI; Patricia (John) Blattner of Livonia, MI; and Robert D. (Leah DeRose-Wilson) Stefanek of Colorado Springs, CO.
His thirteen grandchildren, ranging in age from 24 years to 9 months, will forever cherish the memories created with their grandfather: Hannah Stefanek, Alex Willis, Holly Stefanek, Katerina Willis, Samuel Stefanek, Meghan Stefanek, Jack Stefanek, Frances Reilly, Jonas Reilly, Felix Reilly, Sylvie Reilly, Celeste Reilly, and Lucienne Reilly. Robert was a devoted grandfather who attended countless sporting events, band performances, dance recitals, and other special occasions. He took pride in witnessing every high school and college graduation that his health (and the pandemic) would allow.
Bob graduated from St. Andrew High School in Detroit before pursuing his passion for engineering. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering (Electrical) from Wayne State University and later achieved his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. His academic journey led him to become an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1968.
For over three decades, Robert contributed his engineering expertise to Ford Motor Co. (1969–2001). Notably, he played a key role in the design of the "people mover" developed by Ford in the early 1970s, the first example connecting Fairlane Mall to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn.
Bob lived a full life, residing in Dearborn Heights from 1969 to 2002 and then in Novi from 2002 until his passing. Since 1996, he cherished his summers in the Port Austin area.
Among his many hobbies, Robert found joy in traveling, particularly to the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains and Arizona. He was an avid photographer, capturing both family moments and the beauty of landscapes and vacation destinations. Golf was another passion, shared with his father-in-law, sons, and grandson. He often took his wife Joni as his "caddie."
Bob appreciated the simple pleasures of life-time spent with family, savoring a cold beer while gazing at the lake, and relishing a good steak, hamburger, or kebab.
Robert Gerald Stefanek will be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father, proud grandfather, accomplished engineer, and a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His legacy lives on through the memories he created and the love he shared with family and friends.
A visitation will be held at O'Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 4 to 8pm. In state Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Church of the Holy Family, 24505 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi, from 10am until time of funeral liturgy 10:30am. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.