Robert M. Kopke

Kopke , Robert, beloved husband of Joan (Howard) and longtime resident of Grosse Ile, passed away on November 10, 2014 at age 83. Born in 1931 to Michael & Gladys (LaForest) Kopke, Bob resided in River Rouge as a young child but soon moved to Grosse Ile where he grew up, went to school, and lived for the rest of his life. After graduating from Grosse Ile High School, he worked with his father Mike and brother Bill in the family business, Kopke and Sons Heating and Cooling, which he took over when his father retired. Bob married Joan in 1951 and soon after was called to service in the Army where he served for two years, including a tour of duty in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, Bob and Joan started a family and moved to their first home on Ferry Rd. They had seven children: Rob, Tom, Mary, David, Anne, Ed, and Jean. The house was filled to the brim with laughter and love but a bit too crowded, so Bob built a second story on the house to accommodate his large family. After the older children moved out to start their own lives as adults, Bob and Joan moved to a smaller home on East River where they enjoyed their home on the water for 29 years until their recent move to Hawthorn Glen. As an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating, Bob instilled a love of the outdoors and respect for nature in his children. Together with his father, brother and a few friends, Bob built a cabin near Munising in the UP where he enjoyed many happy hunting trips and summer vacations with his family and friends. Bob was also a musician who enjoyed playing the banjo and was known Downriver as "Banjo Bob". Long-time residents might remember sing-alongs at the Kopke's famous Fourth of July picnics or at a local club or event with Bob on his banjo and his friend, Bob Gibson, on the accordion or piano and often accompanied by his brother, Bill, on the clarinet. Always willing to help others, Bob joined the Grosse Ile Volunteer Fire Department in 1963. Bob was very proud of his service as were his family members. After 20 years on the department and serving as Captain, Bob was injured in a house fire that left him paralyzed on his left side. Despite his injury, he remained a life-time member with the Fire Department. Bob's injury changed his life but didn't defeat him.Even with the loss of the use of his left arm, Bob continued to golf, bowl and fish with one arm, becoming an inspiration to others as he volunteered at the stroke rehabilitation center at Wyandotte Hospital. Bob enjoyed traveling, including trips to Hawaii, Ireland, the Caribbean, Alaska,and as a collateral descendent of George Drouillard(a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition), Bob and family members attended the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery descendant's reunion in 2004 in Astoria Oregon in celebration of the expedition's 200th anniversary.In their later years, Bob and Joan became snow birds each winterwith the purchase of a second home in Florida where they played golf and made many new friends. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Knights of Columbus, the Elba Mar Boat Club, and served as the Commander of the Grosse Ile VFW. Bob is survived by his wifeJoan, 7 children; Robert M. Kopke (Merri), Thomas J. Kopke (Marie), Mary K. Wloch (Michael), David W.Kopke (Laura), Anne D. McCormies (Ricky), Edward H.Kopke (Sheila),and Jean K. Chopchinski (Don), 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and his brother Bill Kopke and sister Dorothy Klimek. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 22.