Robert J. Klempay

Robert J. Klempay, age 64, died unexpectedly on November 11, 2016 while on vacation at his winter home in Venice, FL. Robert was born on September 2, 1952 in Detroit, the third born of six sons, of Michael and Margaret Klempay. Bob grew up in Harper Woods and was a member of the Charter Class of 1970 (the first graduating class) at Grosse Pointe North High School. He entered the Police Academy in April of 1978. He was a member of the Harper Woods Police Department and served as a patrolman from 1978 until 2002 when he was forced to take a medical retirement. Shortly after Bob retired he became "Papa" to his newborn granddaughter, Serina. They were inseparable. Bob was a strong-willed person, opinionated and brutally honest. You always knew where you stood with him; there was no beating around the bush. But the other side of Bob was a man who loved his family, was quick to smile and crack a joke. To have known him was to love him! His family described him as being sentimental, caring, easy-going and generous. A quick goodbye could turn into a 40 minute conversation because he had the gift to gab. His parents instilled a strong work ethic in their six boys and Bob passed this trait on to his son and daughter. Bob's career with the Harper Woods Police Department was very important to him. He wore badge #143 with the same pride he had for his family and the life he lived. Bob's hobbies included traveling, particularly trips to Las Vegas and cruising the Caribbean. He enjoyed art and computer games. He tried to embrace technology, but often found himself infuriated to the point of being comical when technology didn't work for him. He had a vast library of videos and eclectic music. Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen; their daughter, Kristin Schram (William), granddaughter, Serina; his siblings, Michael (Sandee), George (Peggy), Tom (the late Renee), Joe (Laurie Lancaster) and Steven; eight nieces and nephews and four grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son Keith in 2001. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 9:00 pm Wednesday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. His body will lie instate at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack at Overlake in St. Clair Shores from 11:30 am Thursday until mass begins at 12 noon. Rev. Fr. Joseph Turkewicz will officiate. Interment will follow at the White Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Troy. The family has requested memorial donations be made to Grosse Pointe Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 102; 23210 Masonic; St. Clair Shores, MI 48082. Please click for video.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236