Hon. Robert Joseph Chrzanowski

Born in Detroit to Joseph and Irene Chrzanowski, he graduated Catholic Central High School and earned his Juris Doctorate Law Degree at U of D Mercy. While in law school he met the smart and beautiful Rose Marie Wasung while she was in school to become a dental hygienist. He married the love of his life on June 28, 1958, and they were together for 64 years before her passing on September 21, 2022.

After serving in the Armed Forces for a few years in Texas, he and Rose Marie settled in Warren to start a family- soon having three children: Kenneth, Janet and Susan.

Robert started out as a prosecutor, until he was elected Judge for the 37th District Court of Warren and then was elected a Circuit Judge for the 16th Circuit Court where he rose to the honor of Chief Judge. As a Circuit Court judge, he had a plaque in chambers that read, “Talk Straight and Deal Fair” which was a saying from his dear mentor, Albert J. Howard. He earned a reputation of being a fair judge who treated all litigants with respect.

Aside from his love of the law, he had many hobbies. Affectionately known by his friends as “Bobby Joe” he loved going on Deep Sea fishing tournaments with his friends. He loved playing poker or pinochle at family birthdays. In his later years, it was the horse racing game- which he still played with his family last summer on his own home made horse board.

He loved being on the water and had two family cottages right on the lakefront. His first in Belle River, allowed him to fish every chance he had with Hank and Tom. Grilling sausage on a coal BBQ was a must, while having a Manhattan with Hank.

His second family cottage was in Caseville where he and Rose Marie spent many days playing with his Grandkids Rebecca and Amanda. They gave him another special name, “Bobbob,” which he loved. He still loved boating, and would fish every chance he got- this time with Susan, Janet and Chris and the grandkids.

Caseville was a place of many special events. Bob hosted special poker weekends with his friends from the Warren Bank. He loved having a cocktail on his deck looking at the sunset and starting a bonfire to roast hotdogs and marshmallows on. Their biggest tradition was their infamous Pirate Parties! Bob, Rose Marie, and all guests, dressed up as pirates and searched for treasures throughout the day.

Bob and Rose Marie were always excited to travel with their family. They went to Disney World with Janet and Chris and grandkids several times. They took many cruises with Susan, her husband James and granddaughter, London- having fun eating escargot and lobster! Bob was always ready for an adventure and Rose was always ready for a party- they were a beautiful team.

Robert leaves behind two daughters: Susan Chrzanowski Cole, Husband James; and Janet Chrzanowski Ruth, husband Christopher. His three grandchildren, Ross, Amanda and London, and his sister Christine Habel and husband Larry. He has many nieces and nephews who fondly remember his stories of his many “jobs” as a cowboy, indian, train conductor and of course, a pirate. In heaven, he will be a guardian angel to his family.

Visitation is on Wednesday April 10, from 2-8pm at AH Peters funeral home in Warren. Funeral mass at St. Martin De Porres at 11:00 am Thursday, April 11th.

In lieu of flowers donations made to the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House would be greatly appreciated.