Robert Wieczorek

All who knew Robert Wieczorek would agree that he certainly put the sparkle into life. He was the heartbeat of wherever he went, and with his outgoing demeanor and contagious laughter he was so much fun to be around. Someone who never met a stranger, countless others called him a friend, and the self proclaimed "Mayor of Section 34" at the Big House, Bob loved having a good time in everything he did. There was nothing he treasured more than the family he created with the love of his life, his family his greatest source of pride and joy. With an unwavering faith as his constant companion, Bob taught us so much about what it means to live a life of integrity, selflessness, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed while the memories he leaves behind remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those too numerous to count.

The year 1945 is often recalled as the year that witnessed the end of WWII with the Japanese surrender on August 15th. This brought countless young servicemen and women back home where they were reunited with their families once again. This same year was filled with unspeakable joy for a bustling young family from Detroit, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into the fold on April 9th. Robert was the third of four children born to his parents, Joe and Irene Wieczorek, and was raised in the family home on the West side of Detroit alongside his siblings, Joey, Mary Ann and Chris. His father worked in tool and die for General Motors while his mother focused her attention on raising their family and donated time to the church as well. Bob knew he was in trouble with his mother when he heard the name “Bobby,” and this was how family would gain his attention for years to come.

In many ways Bob enjoyed a typical upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was a student at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and went on to Holy Redeemer High School. Bob grew up playing baseball, mainly as the catcher, and he was also the goalie on his hockey team. In fact, he was a talented athlete who played many sports. After graduating from high school he attended Lawrence Tech University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bob’s introduction to the love of his life. Her name was Marianne, and although they had known each other for years it wasn’t until they were in college that they had their first official date. They soon fell deeply in love, and with a desire to spend the rest of his life with Marianne Bob bought a ring. He couldn’t wait to give it to her and decided to pull over into a Ford Motor Company parking lot to pop the question. Marianne was more than happy to oblige, and they were married on March 28, 1969, at Madonna College Chapel in Livonia where they held a full Catholic mass.

Bob and Marianne exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. They enjoyed a honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and also vacationed in St. Croix and Bermuda before having children. Bob and Marianne loved going out to dinner together, going bowling, and going out dancing, too. They loved playing pinochle after Bob taught her how to play, and of course Bob also armed her with a cheat sheet.

The couple was blessed with two daughters, Amy on June 25, 1971, and Emily on October 25, 1978. They loved spending time as a family, and there was rarely a dull moment either. They vacationed to Cedar Point every year over the Fourth of July with their family friends, the Grunicks, and since Bob was an accountant he generously sent his family on vacation during spring break since that was at the height of tax season. Marianne later invented “mystery trips” when she and Bob would load the kids up in the car and surprise them with trips to places like Frankenmuth, Boblo Island, the Toledo Zoo, and the Holiday Inn in Ann Arbor. They also loved going to University of Michigan football games. These trips started out with just Bob and Marianne, and they later grew to include Barb and John Grunick and eventually more than 20 people all together. They always had a tailgate party at the 18th hole of the University of Michigan golf course. Bob and Marianne traveled to watch the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1983, and although their team lost the memories made were priceless including toasting the new year once for every time zone.

Nothing was better in Bob’s mind than spending time with his loved ones. Although he treasured his role as a father, he just may have argued that being a grandfather was his greatest reward. Bob’s first grandchild, Calvin, was born in September of 2003, and he was later joined by Celine and Lizzie. Birthdays and holidays were always a time to celebrate, and Christmas was Bob’s favorite time of year when everyone always looked forward to his homemade macaroni and cheese made from his own recipe.

In addition to being with his family, Bob had other interests as well. He was a practicing Catholic throughout his life, and both he and Marianne spent many years lecturing during mass. Bob and his wife belonged to several churches over the years including as founding members of Divine Savior in addition to St. Michael of Livonia and St. John Neumann in Canton. He enjoyed listening to oldies on the radio and Tigers games with Ernie Harwell calling the play by play. Bob also loved listening to Tom Ryan, Paul Harvey, Dick Purtan. He liked watching his favorite teams like the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and University of Michigan on television, but since he liked the radio announcers better he often turned the volume down on the television while using the audio from the radio.

Described as the life of the party, Robert Wieczorek was truly one of a kind. He was bubbly and outgoing, which drew others near with ease. Although he struggled with his health for several years, Bob never complained and continued to fully embrace the days he was given. Although it will never be the same without him here, the lives of countless people will be forever changed for the better because of his touch.

Robert Wieczorek died on May 2, 2013. Bob’s family includes his wife, Marianne; children, Amy (Clint) Soldan, Emily (Greg) Wank; grandchildren, Calvin, Celine, and Elizabeth; and siblings, Joseph and Christine. Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann. Visit with Bob’s family and friends on Sunday from 4-9 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd (West of Sheldon). Instate Monday 10 a.m. until mass 10:30 a.m.at St. John Neumann Catholic Church (Warren Rd West of Sheldon). Memorials may be made to Arbor Hospice. Please sign the guest book at Neely-Turowski.com.