Obituary of Bob Flak

October 22, 1946 – November 26, 2024

Bob Flak.  Age 78 of Southgate.

Beloved husband of Norma King.  Loving father of April (Ethan Mathiak) Cooper.  Dearest grandfather of Denver Cooper and Wyatt Cooper.  Great grandfather of Silas Reed Rhunke.  Also survived by former son in-law, Mike Cooper. 

FAMILY TRIBUTE:

Bob Flak, of Southgate, passed away peacefully, hand in hand with his wife on November 26, 2024, in Trenton, Michigan at the age of 78. Born on October 22, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Bob's life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and faith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Norma Jane Flak nee King, their only daughter April Cooper,  grandsons Denver and Wyatt Cooper, and son-in-law Mike Cooper, who will miss him immensely, and his great-grandson, Silas Reed Rhunke. Bob's legacy is also celebrated by his dear, longtime friends Floyd and Sally Martin, who shared many of life's adventures with him. 

Bob served his country with honor as a mechanic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he dedicated over 30 years to the Ford Motor Company as a die setter at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to serving his community, which he demonstrated through many years of involvement with the Riverview Church of God bus ministry, both working on buses and driving them. 

To say he was an avid University of Michigan football fan would be a gross understatement. Bob's enthusiasm for the game was infectious. He found joy in caring for his lawn and gardens, his pride and joy. Even well into his 70s, Bob could be found climbing and cutting trees, as well as cutting grass, trimming branches, and shoveling or blowing snow for his neighbors.  When Michigan weather turned, Bob turned to puzzles to pass his time until the weather broke. He thoroughly enjoyed old Westerns and action movies, especially those featuring John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood.  

In his retirement, Bob and Norma enjoyed embarking on cruises with friends, Sally and Floyd that took them from Alaska to the Southern Caribbean. These trips were cherished times providing fond memories, relaxation and companionship. 

Bob was a proud and private man who possessed a quiet strength and humility.  A hard worker and provider, Bob was a man of integrity that everyone should aspire to be. He worked hard at and took pride in absolutely everything he did.

Bob Flak lived an exemplary life. His absence leaves a void only filled by memories and a promise to do better, be better and live a life in honor of a great man. His presence will be profoundly missed. Bob will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, after receiving full military honors for his service in the US Army.