It is with great sadness to the jazz community, family and friends that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Guenther on November 1, 2023 at the age of 87. He passed peacefully in his sleep. He was born October 7, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan to Hugo and Eleanor Guenther.
Bob was a true jazz aficionado. Known by many as “Dr. Jazz,” he left an indelible mark on the jazz community and touched the lives of countless individuals through his love for music. Bob’s knowledge was unparalleled; he knew all of the musicians, the instruments, the music, the history and was an immense advocate for the Greater Detroit Jazz Society and the Michigan Jazz Festival for over 20 years. His commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of jazz was his gift and legacy. He was a conversationalist bar none, except for when the music was playing! He was a wealth of knowledge on EVERYTHING – from literature to wooden boats, outboard motors, metal work and precision machining at Guenther Manufacturing, woodwork restoration, his famous baked beans, and so much more. Bob was a bona fide historian of the greater Detroit area. He loved the water and Lake St. Clair as an avid swimmer and sailor.
Bob's caring nature extended beyond his passion for jazz. He was incredibly compassionate and selfless. His devotion to those in need was evident in his care for Delores Lindsey, Bess Bonnier, and countless others.
He is survived by his sister Nancy Salden, nieces Molly (Doug) Radtke and Karin (Bernd) Sieber, great nephew Garrett Sieber, great niece Teagan Sieber, cousins Denise (Mike) Przybylski, Sharon (Arden) Grove and the Karabetsos family to name just a loving few. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Delores Lindsey in 2002.
A Musical Celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Sunday November 12, 2023 from 5pm-8pm at Shield’s Pizza. (25101 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48034) (P: 248-356-2720) Family and friends are invited to join us for a tribute to this remarkable man.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Greater Detroit Jazz Society: greaterdetroitjazzsociety.com or Michigan Jazz Festival: Michiganjazzfestival.org in memory of Bob Guenther. Donations can also be made on Sunday evening.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-fh.com for the Guenther family.
