Robert Louis Alflen

Robert (Bob) “Alfie” Alflen, age 88, of West Bloomfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home in his life-long and treasured community of Westacres. Among the first generation of children to grow up in Westacres, after his college years, Alfie and his bride would return to raise their 4 children. For all who knew how passionately involved he was in the history of and life in Westacres, Alfie could be considered a legacy. To carry on and cherish his memory are his loving wife, Janet; his four children: Teresa Alflen-Michaud, Thomas (Paula) Alflen, Tamara (Frank) Delorenzo, and Craig (Debra Thomas) Alflen; his five granddaughters: Jessica (Chris), Melissa, Maeve (Michael), Emelia (Christian), and Audrey (Rand); his eight great-grandchildren: Cameron, Lucy, Lyla, Jackson, Lily, Liam, Juliet, and Gianna; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bob was born July 10, 1935, in Detroit, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Albert and Geraldine (Kelly) Alflen. In 1957, He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Janet Guoin; sharing sixty-seven wonderful years together. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, Bob began his career as an electrical contractor alongside his father in 1957 with his brother Ken eventually joining them. In the mid-1970's, Bob’s career path led him into the field of commercial real estate development. Bob ran his own business from the 1970’s until his milestone retirement in 2023. Strong in his Catholic faith, Bob was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Orchard Lake. He and his wife Janet were staples in Westacres, living in the same house throughout the entirety of their time together.

In his free time, Alfie was often found working on one of his water-color paintings that he created for family, friends and even business associates to enjoy. His work often appeared in the local craft fair and Leland art shows.

He holds fond memories of the many trips taken over the years with his wife, Janet; especially to the family cabin on Lake Leelanau, as well as to Bonita and Naples, Florida. Most of all, Bob cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. Bob experienced the profound blessing of being able to prepare to go Home, He is and will be greatly missed. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Geraldine; and his brother, Kenneth Alflen.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 3700 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan 48324. Robert’s family will receive visitors at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake, Michigan 48386, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Rosary Service and Sharing of Memories beginning at 6:00pm, and again at church on Monday, from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at 10:00 am. A burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Those desiring may consider donations in Bob's memory to the Westacres Historical Society, Open Door Outreach, the Leelanau Christian Neighbors, The Old Art Building in Leland, or a charity of choice.