Robert “Bob” Zwolak
passed March 3, 2021, just 16 days shy of his 80th birthday. Bob is survived by his beloved family, Kari (Glenn) Shepley, Robert (Carole), Andrea (aka DeeDee), Diana, and Daniel Zwolak and his cat, Trippy; his grandchildren, Richard (Brooke) and Robert Liles and Tabitha and Louie Jimenez; great-grandchildren, Carter, Carson, and Madison Liles; and his former wife Elizabeth (Betty) Zwolak. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Zwolak and Frances Wojnar (nee Wacznyska).
Bob loved the City of Hamtramck until the very end. He is a former city clerk, city council member and served on the City Charter Commission. He was an institution within city hall, where his challenger spirit kept elected officials on their toes and was a fierce watchdog on how taxpayers’ money was spent. He continued to be a regular attendee at city council meetings, even after his elected representation ended, often having a better attendance record than some current elected officials.
Amongst his many accomplishments, he owned and operated Hamtramck Cycle, Hamtramck Motors, Panther Midwest, and published a feisty weekly newspaper called The Hamtramck Times. He worked as a traveling salesman for many years early in his career traversing the United States selling motorcycles with his stepfather, Ken Kay. Bob was honorably discharged from the Michigan Air National Guard in August of 1969.
Bob had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past 17 months and was in hospice at the time of his death. He died peacefully with his children by his side.
There will be a memorial visitation in honor of Mr. Zwolak on March 19, from 2-7 p.m. with prayers at 6 p.m., at Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home. March 19 would have been his 80th birthday.
The family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. https://www.facebook.com/donate/491875181804016/
Memorial Visitation
Friday, March 19, 2021 from 2 – 7 p.m.
Service 6 p.m.
Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home (map)
2396 Caniff
Hamtramck MI 48212
AMVETS Post 14 was deeply saddened to learn of Robert Zwolak’s passing. He was an active and Lifelong member dedicated to the service of fellow Veterans and the surrounding Community. Interestingly Mr. Zwolak served our Nation in the Air Force as a Navigator on B-52 Bombers. He later continued his career in public service, as a long term, and dedicated Councilman serving the City of Hamtramck. Everyone at our Post was proud to have him as a member and the many contributions he made to our Post
Bob, Thanks for the Memories. (Dziekuje)
God Bless You and Your Family.
Former classmate & friend. Bob always worked very hard to provide for his family. He sure gave an awful amount of time to make sure that the citizens of Hamtramck got their monies worth & the city was ran honestly.
R.I.P. Bob.
Ron G.