Robert W. Wrobel

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert "Bob" Wrobel, who passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the age of 94 in Flat Rock, Michigan, after a short battle with dementia. He was born on January 1, 1932, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Alice (Lapinski) Kaczynski and Bennett Wrobel. Throughout his life, he touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, Rose Marie (Anteau) Wrobel. He and Rose recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in October. He is also survived by his four children: Mike (Debra) Wrobel, Ken (Christine) Wrobel, Gail (Jeff) Potratz, and Mark (Shelia) Wrobel; seven grandchildren: Andrea (Jon) Hale, Robert Wrobel, Matt (Lisa) Potratz, Frank (Tonya) Wrobel, Alyssa (Jared) Coffin, Daniel Wrobel, and Beau (Kate) Wrobel; and great-grandchildren Kinsley, Addison, Blaire, Vanessa, Chloe, and another great-granddaughter due at any time. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen (Frank) Gentz; and bonus grandchildren: Katie (Mike) Granata (Logan, Jackson, and Bendan), Tyler (Alyssa) Pluff (Benjamin), and Shea Fox.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Marie (Walter) Nowicki, Edward (Sophie) Wrobel, Ted (Annabelle) Wrobel, and Raymond (Pat) Wrobel.

Bob would want to be remembered for his extreme love for his family - family meant everything to him. Throughout his life, he endured many personal health issues, including osteomyelitis as a child, appendicitis, quadruple heart bypass surgery, disc fusion for spinal stenosis, 13 heart stents, carpal tunnel surgery, bilateral knee replacements, shoulder replacement, and survived Type B lymphoma. Through all of these procedures and surgeries, he always maintained a positive attitude.

He was a lifelong Catholic and devoted member of St. Roch Catholic Church. His faith was incredibly important to him. He was known to say the rosary daily and faithfully recite his prayer cards.

Bob was very loyal to his family and friends. He loved golfing and was even on the Varsity Athletic Golf League at age 92. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, trips to the casino, and playing cards-especially Pinochle and Euchre. He was very competitive in all the sports he played and never missed an opportunity to tell Rose she was throwing a backup ball in bowling. He loved baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers, and if baseball was not on, he watched Turner Classic Movies.

Aside from his family, his passion was building. During their marriage, Bob and Rose lived in nine homes, five of which Bob built himself. He also assisted in building his sons' homes and a couple of cottages.

Bob was a lifelong member of the Flat Rock Elks and an life member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 2006 to 2007. He worked at Great Lakes Steel, E&L Transport, Ford Motor Company, and the Flat Rock Department of Public Works. He retired from Flat Rock Community Schools in 1993 as the Director of Transportation and Maintenance. While holding a full-time job, he also built homes and outbuildings on the side and served as a member of Flat Rock's Volunteer Fire Department. After retirement, he was an active volunteer at Willow Golf Course.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Roch Catholic Church in Flat Rock on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10:00 am, followed by a luncheon and celebration of life at the church hall. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories, stories, and support one another during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Roch Catholic Church, Flat Rock Elks Lodge #1731, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.