Robert “Bob” Sluka was born July 19th, 1940, in Detroit. He precedes his wife Marilyn, two sons Robert (Cindy) and Jonathan, and six grandchildren: Robert (Kate Russell), Sarah (Elijah Viera), Ava, Heather, Bruno (Erica Weber), Matthew, and his brother Jim. His parents, John and Marie, and brothers Dave and Jerry, greet him in eternity. Bob spent exactly 84 years on God’s blue planet entering the loving arms of Jesus on July 19th, 2024.
In Bob’s own words: “I was born into a family that honored and worshipped the One True Living God. My mother led me to the Lord one Sunday while about ten years old and home from church recovering from chickenpox. My mother strongly emphasized Scripture memorization: Psalms 1, 23, 100 & 150 along with the Beatitudes in particular. As an older teen and young adult, I was strongly influenced by the writings of Francis Schaefer and C.S. Lewis. Schaefer’s teaching on John 13:34-45 (“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”) was very impactful and needs to be practiced more than ever.”
Bob attended Cody High School where he was Senior Class President, quarterback of the football team, and track star. He began playing football at Wayne State and then focused on track and field. He was well known for his mean fast softball pitch. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University and started work with General Motors. He moved to Detroit Diesel where he spent a career designing and improving marine engines. Work on developing electronic control systems and expert knowledge of the relationships between the engine and motorboat props made him an industry leader. His family enjoyed being brought along particularly to the Miami Boat show where we were treated to amazing boat rides while Dad was down in the engine room making sure all was well.
Church was always an important part of the Sluka family’s life. Bob was an elder at Ward Presbyterian Church. He was involved in many leadership roles, including the move and building of the new church facility in Northville, Michigan, pastor search committee, and the denominational World Outreach Committee. He expended significant time and energy overseeing the renovation and installation of the beautiful pipe organ at the church. Two new daughter churches were started under his oversight: Cornerstone EPC in Brighton and Grace Chapel in Farmington Hills. Prior to his time at Ward Church, Bob and his family attended what is now Northville Christian Church where Bob chaired the building program, and served as Sunday School Superintendent, youth leader, and Southeast Michigan Christ Ambassadors President.
Bob and Marilyn met at church and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. In their home in Livonia, they made their life, raised their sons, and welcomed their grandchildren. They visited children and grandchildren even when living in distant locations abroad. Their life together was full, and their family is grateful to God for the blessing of an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Bob loved his family deeply and they were a great source of joy and purpose. He loved to get down on the floor and play with his grandchildren when they were small, and he enjoyed special one-to-one times when they were older, sharing wisdom over a great steak. He always made time to attend football and basketball games where his sons participated and many trips together as a family made for special memories. He treasured his time with his family.
A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary at Ward Presbyterian Church, 40000 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168 on Friday, August 23rd. Visitation from 10am with the service beginning at 11am. The beautiful pipe organ Bob researched and led the process of renovation will be played to honor and glorify God. In lieu of flowers, please designate donations to the Global Outreach work of Ward Church.
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